In Tivaouane, Alioune Dione proposes productive cooperatives within dahiras

During the Gamou in Tivaouane, the Minister of Microfinance and the Social and Solidarity Economy, Alioune Dione, proposed the creation of Solidarity Productive Cooperatives (CPS) within dahiras. The project seeks to build on their solidarity and organisational networks to promote income-generating activities and local employment.

The initiative was presented on 23 August 2026 during a panel organised by the Entrepreneurship Commission of the Cellule Zawiya Tidiane, focusing on the contribution of community organisations to the incubation of small and medium-sized enterprises.

Preserving their religious purpose

According to the minister, dahiras have human, financial, relational and organisational resources that could be more effectively mobilised to support economic empowerment. He stressed, however, that the aim was neither to turn these structures into businesses nor to alter their religious identity.

The CPS-Dahiras would be organised around activities matching the needs and potential of local areas. Market gardening, crafts and agri-food processing are among the sectors mentioned under the “One Dahira, One Economic Activity” initiative, launched in Tivaouane on 16 August 2026.

Tivaouane considered as a pilot site

Tivaouane could host an initial pilot scheme. The approach calls for identifying promising sectors, existing initiatives, entrepreneurs and community needs before the first cooperatives are established. An assessment is expected to precede any expansion to other religious centres across the country.

The ministry is notably considering social and solidarity economy incubators in municipalities, dedicated financing mechanisms and Solidarity Shops to facilitate market access. A partnership agreement with the Cellule Zawiya Tidiane is also being considered to support the structuring of cooperatives, the incubation of young people and women, skills development, access to financing and digitalisation.

Reflection also focused on the diaspora

Alioune Dione also referred to dahiras established outside Senegal. In Bilbao, Spain, he met with the local Dahira Tidiane to discuss prospects for developing the social and solidarity economy within the diaspora.