Local economic initiatives: Khombole launches a municipal incubator for the social and solidarity economy

The Minister of Microfinance and Social and Solidarity Economy, Dr. Alioune Dione, inaugurated the Khombole Municipal Social and Solidarity Economy (SSE) Incubator in the department of Thiès on Wednesday, August 12, 2026. This infrastructure aims to provide a framework for direct support to young people and women to transform their ideas into bankable projects and stimulate local development.

The ceremony was an opportunity to recognize the commitment of the 120 young beneficiaries of the "Mën Naa Ko" program. The goal is to transform ideas into structured and viable projects. The project, carried out in collaboration with the POLARIS ASSO organization and the Khombole town hall, aligns with the national "Vision Senegal 2050" strategy for an inclusive economy.

For the Minister of Microfinance and the Social and Solidarity Economy, who welcomed the creation of this incubator and praised the dynamism of the mayor of Khombole as well as the commitment of POLARIS ASSO (partner), this space goes beyond mere infrastructure. He stated that it represents the concrete embodiment of a new vision for territorial development, in which municipalities become territories of initiative, innovation, entrepreneurship, and wealth creation.

This approach, according to Alioune Dione, aligns with the objectives of the Senegal 2050 Vision, which aims to build a more productive and inclusive economy, one that leverages the potential of local communities. In this context, the social and solidarity economy is called upon to play a major role by placing people, solidarity, and collective action at the heart of value creation.

According to the minister, the Khombole municipal incubator, designed to provide project leaders with tailored support, should be a space where ideas emerge, skills are strengthened, and projects can be structured to the point of becoming bankable. He emphasized the importance of supporting young people, reiterating the government's commitment to making this segment of the population not simply beneficiaries of public policies, but active participants in the transformation of their communities.

He also called on young people to continue their engagement through entrepreneurial and civic initiatives, citing in particular the "Mën Naa Ko" program, presented as an example of this dynamic in favor of active citizenship, local governance, and community engagement. The minister highlighted the role of women in this strategy, emphasizing that their economic empowerment is a strategic choice for the development of the regions.

The minister emphasized the need for concerted action between the state, the municipality, technical and financial partners, civil society organizations, and economic stakeholders. The partnership agreement between the Ministry, POLARIS ASSO, and the Khombole Municipality is part of this approach.