A new network of journalists and communicators dedicated to promoting the social, solidarity and environmental economy (SSE) was officially established this Saturday in Bambey, during a general assembly that brought together media professionals from several regions of Senegal.

At the conclusion of the proceedings, Babacar Diouf was unanimously elected president of this new organization, which aims to play a key role in promoting this economic model, still relatively unknown to the general public. The new president expressed "a feeling of satisfaction and honor" at the trust placed in him by his peers.

“Being chosen by one’s peers is a strong mark of recognition. After a long partnership, we decided to set up this network to advocate for and communicate about the social and solidarity economy,” he said.

The meeting was attended by journalists and communicators from almost every region of the country, including Dakar, Thiès, Saint-Louis, Louga, Fatick, Kaolack, Kaffrine, Kolda, Tambacounda, and Kédougou. According to the organizers, this diversity fostered fruitful discussions that led to the unanimous adoption of the network's statutes and regulations.

Journalist Babacar Diouf emphasized the strategic importance of the social and solidarity economy for Senegal's development. He noted that public authorities are paying particular attention to this sector.

He specifically mentioned the Interministerial Council of May 23, 2025, which examined the key areas of the social and solidarity economy, including governance, financing, taxation, socio-economic inclusion, the environment, innovation and digital technology.

He also stressed that, during the Council of Ministers meeting on March 11, 2026, the President of the Republic dedicated the year 2026 to this sector, while calling for the effective implementation of the framework law on the social and solidarity economy.

Thus, the network aims to raise awareness of the social and solidarity economy among the population. It also intends to promote local initiatives, mobilize stakeholders, attract partners, and encourage civic engagement.

"Our goal is not to promote individuals, but to highlight an economic model capable of meeting the development challenges of our communities," the network's president stated.

According to him, the social and solidarity economy already constitutes an essential source of income for many women, enabling them to provide for their families, finance their children's education and access healthcare.

Beyond promotion, the network also intends to contribute to transparency, efficiency and good governance in the management of public resources.

The members also adopted rules that comply with current laws as well as the principles of ethics and professional conduct of journalism.