Casablanca delegation

SECTOR DESCRIPTION

Until July 2023, a total of 1 135 cooperatives are recorded in the prefectures of Casablanca (66.7%), Mohammedia, Nouacer, and Mediouna. The majority of these cooperatives are located in Casablanca, with Mohammedia in the second position (17.6%), followed by Nouacer (8.2%), and finally Mediouna (7.5%).

Regarding the sectoral distribution, the cooperative sector in these prefectures is mainly dominated by cooperatives operating in the artisan sector. According to the most recent statistics, there are 669 cooperatives in this field, representing 60% of the total number of cooperatives established in these regions. These cooperatives are primarily specialized in artisan services such as catering, bakery and pastry, plumbing, hairdressing, as well as construction work, among others.

However, over the past six years, there has been a consistent increase in the number of cooperatives operating in new service sectors that are not related to artisan activities. This includes areas such as e-commerce, home services, and food product packaging. Currently, these cooperatives hold the third position, representing 12% of the total number of cooperatives, just behind those operating in agriculture (12.6%), and ahead of housing cooperatives (7%).

ACTIVITIES AND EVENTS

Awareness and information day (PIAE)

On May 25, 2023, an awareness and information day was organized in partnership between the “Insertion through Economic Activity” (PIAE) program of the Mohamed V Foundation for Solidarity and the Casablanca-Settat region, in collaboration with the regional delegation of the Office of Cooperation Development (ODCO). This workshop took place at the Animation and Training Center for the Associative and Cooperative Sector in the Casablanca-Settat region in Casablanca.

The main objective of this day was to encourage youth cooperatives in the region to actively participate in the PIAE call for projects. This program aims to support and assist young people in precarious situations, aged 22 to 40, in creating and developing income-generating activities. The project spans a three-year period starting in 2022.

During this day, over fifty representatives from cooperatives in the region were present. Throughout the event, several partners made presentations and provided explanations regarding the online project registration process through the dedicated platform.

HECI Casablanca group takes part in the Social Solidarity Economy Forum

As part of the study days organized for students at the HECI Casablanca Group, the International Business Center (CIE), affiliated with the HECI Group, organized a forum on Social and Solidarity Economy on February 28, 2023, at the group’s headquarters in Casablanca. The main objective of this forum was to raise awareness among students about forms of social entrepreneurship, with a particular emphasis on cooperative enterprises, and to familiarize them with their mode of operation and structure.

During this day, several presentations were conducted by university researchers and professionals from the sector. After the welcoming speech by the Director of CIE, Professor Youssef Guerraoui Filali, and the presentation of the current state of Social and Solidarity Economy by Professor Nourredine Benjelloun from HECI Casablanca, Mrs. Sofia ABAKRI, Regional Delegate of the Office, presented the situation of the cooperative sector in Casablanca, as well as public policies aimed at promoting its development. She encouraged students to get closer to organizations in this sector by organizing field visits or engaging in scientific research focused on their economic model.

In this regard, the results of a consumer satisfaction survey regarding cooperative products were presented by researchers and students from the school. These results highlighted the growing interest of national consumers in products manufactured by these organizations, as well as their confidence in their uniqueness and quality.

At the end of this day, several testimonials were shared by cooperative leaders and nonprofit associations. In recognition of their contribution to the socio-economic development of the region and after fruitful exchanges with the young participants, trophies were awarded to these actors of the Social and Solidarity Economy.

Visit to the cooperative “Al Minkar Adahabi”

The representatives of the delegation conducted a visit to the project of the agricultural cooperative “Al Minkar Adahabi,” located in Mediouna. This project involves the establishment of an educational farm dedicated to bird breeding, covering an area of 1200 square meters. This cooperative was founded by exotic bird breeders with the aim of ensuring better reproduction and nutrition for these birds by providing them with a more spacious environment that promotes their mobility, rather than keeping them in small cages. Additionally, this educational farm serves as a zoological park, thus raising public awareness about the rarest species and facilitating their commercialization.

"My Coop" training

The training program “My Coop” was provided by ODCO on May 16, 2023, for the benefit of cooperatives and project initiators within the Oum Rabii platform in the Hay-Hassani prefecture. This training was conducted in the context of the implementation of the agreement reached between the Prefectural Committee for Human Development (CPDH), the CIRA-ESS Association (Center for Incubation, Research, Action, and Social and Solidarity Economy), the regional direction of crafts, social and solidarity economy in the Casa-Settat region, the regional delegation of ODCO in Casablanca, and the association for youth economic inclusion entrepreneurship.

“My COOP” is a training program designed for cooperative management to assist them in achieving better management and enabling them to provide higher quality and more efficient services to their members.

Raising awareness workshop

On July 12, 2023, an awareness workshop on the establishment of cooperatives was organized at the Ex-Prisoners Support Center in Casablanca. This workshop was part of a program by the Mohamed VI Foundation for the Reintegration of Prisoners, in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the United States Embassy. The main objective of this event was to inform and raise awareness among participants about the opportunities for creating cooperatives as a means of social and economic reintegration for former prisoners. The workshop covered various aspects of cooperative creation, including administrative procedures and the benefits of this business model. This initiative aims to support the reintegration of ex-prisoners into society by providing them with positive prospects and entrepreneurial skills.

PROGRAMS AND PARTNERSHIPS

Support and Guidance Program For Cooperatives Operating In The Handicraft Sector

The Craft Cooperative Development Program in Morocco is the result of collaboration among several partners, including the Mohamed V Foundation for Solidarity, the Casablanca-Settat Region, the Ministry of Tourism, Handicrafts, and Social and Solidarity Economy, ODCO, and the Casablanca-Settat Region. The main objective of this program is to support and assist cooperatives engaged in various local artisanal sectors within the region.

The cooperatives targeted by this program operate in fields such as jewelry, weaving, leather goods, pottery, sewing, and basketry. These cooperatives are characterized by their composition, which includes members from disadvantaged backgrounds, and their ability to meet production requirements.

To be eligible for the program, cooperatives must comply with cooperative laws and have at least two years of experience. The program is scheduled to run from 2022 to 2024, and its main components include providing the necessary equipment and facilities for developing cooperative businesses, analyzing and strategically diagnosing the structures, constraints, and risks associated with their activities, developing a growth plan, and offering training and support for cooperative members.

The ultimate goal of this program is to enhance the living conditions of cooperative members and better integrate them into the socio-economic framework of the Casablanca-Settat region. By providing material support, strategic expertise, and relevant training, this program seeks to strengthen the handicraft sector, create sustainable economic opportunities, and contribute to the socio-economic development of the region.

Creation and Support of the Center for animation and training of the associative and cooperative sector in the Casablanca region

The partnership has been established between the Mohamed V Foundation for Solidarity, the Casablanca-Settat Wilaya, ODCO, the National Mutual Aid, Social Development agency (ADS), the “Jissr” Association, the “Rim” Association, the “Mjid” Foundation, and the “Arkane” Association with the aim of revitalizing the associative and cooperative sector within the Casablanca-Settat region. This partnership seeks to support and train associations and cooperatives in the region, actively engage in associative and cooperative initiatives, and guide individuals interested in establishing cooperatives and associations.

As part of this productive partnership, the ODCO delegation has undertaken several activities to support these objectives. Specifically, over 60 training sessions were conducted, benefiting newly-established cooperatives. These sessions provided essential knowledge to cooperative members, enhancing their skills and understanding of cooperative operations.

Furthermore, ODCO has provided assistance to over 300 cooperative project leaders, offering personalized support and practical guidance to help them bring their initiatives to fruition. Additionally, information and awareness-raising events were organized to enlighten cooperatives about the opportunities, challenges, and best practices in the associative and cooperative field.

This active partnership has created an environment conducive to the growth and development of cooperatives and associations in the Casablanca-Settat region. By promoting training, support, and awareness-raising, this partnership not only helps strengthen the local associative and cooperative fabric but also encourages social entrepreneurship and the economic inclusion of local communities.

Guidance and Assistance provided to young individuals involved in cooperative projects

The partnership between the Regional Delegation of ODCO in Casablanca and various local platforms and initiatives has been established to support young entrepreneurs and promote cooperative development. Partners in this project include ODCO’s Regional Delegation in Casablanca, as well as the youth platforms Oum Rabii (Hay Hassani), Ain Chock (Ain Chock), Sidi Bernoussi (Sidi Bernoussi), Arrahma (Nouacer), Pedagogical Farm (Médiouna), and Mohammadia (Mohammedia).

The objectives of this partnership are multifaceted, ranging from providing guidance to young individuals looking to establish cooperatives to monitoring the creation of cooperatives managed by young people benefiting from the platforms. The partnership also includes support and training for existing cooperatives, as well as the selection of cooperative projects eligible for support from the INDH (National Initiative for Human Development).

Within the framework of this partnership, the ODCO delegation has conducted over 20 awareness sessions aimed at educating various groups of young beneficiaries from the different platforms about the numerous advantages associated with cooperative creation. Additionally, ODCO has provided individual guidance to over 300 cooperative project leaders, assisting them in developing their plans and overcoming obstacles. Finally, information and awareness days have been organized to inform young people and cooperatives about the available development and support opportunities in this field.

This dynamic partnership is helping to stimulate youth entrepreneurship and promote the creation of cooperatives, thereby fostering economic and social development in the Casablanca-Settat region.

Successful cooperative models

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OUCH AL MAZ cooperative – Dar Bouazza, Nouacer

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The Ouch Almaz cooperative was created in 2020, in the midst of the Covid pandemic, by young winners from the Traditional Art Academy of Casablanca. Located in Dar Bouaaza , province of Nouacer , Ouch Almaz specializes in creating gold and silver jewelry. It targets a young clientele looking for original jewelry, and thanks to the INDH (National Initiative of Human Development) , the cooperative was able to acquire modern machines allowing it to design jewelry and accessories using 3D technology.
Despite the rise in raw material prices, the cooperative has been able to develop a portfolio of loyal customers as a result of its policy of cost reduction and after-sales services. Its members have introduced new local natural materials, as part of a project to exploit shells thrown by the sea on the beaches of Tamaris, in Dar Bouazza. After collection, the shells are transformed into jewelry and accessories with the aim of contributing to the development of a responsible and sustainable economy. This project won the “Solidarity Generation” prize for its second edition in 2022.

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Nissae Al Hourate Women’s Cooperative – Rural commune Sidi moussa Ben Ali- Mohammedia

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In the middle of the Oued Maleh valley , in Mohammadia, the first women's agricultural cooperative was created in 2016, called “ Nissae al Hourate”. It was founded by around thirty women with the intention of creating an income-generating activity through the promotion of local products.
Since the valley is mainly known for its cultivation of hot peppers, they initially began processing their crops in an artisanal manner, using their own means, to produce staple foods such as "Harissa", as well as some preparations, and local foods based on cereals. Subsequently, through their participation in various fairs and exhibitions, and with the support of several stakeholders, their activities grew further. They have diversified their production by integrating new products derived from hot peppers, such as vinegar, sauce, hot oil, paprika, as well as new semi-cooked soups. They ensured that they respected health standards, thus obtaining certification of their products by The National Office of Food Safety (ONSSA) in 2018.
Currently, they are working on developing a new range of naturally dried seasonal vegetables, ready to be used in traditional Moroccan dishes. The cooperative won the Lalla Al Moutaawina prize in 2022.