Atlas Afoughal cooperative strengthens rural women’s economic empowerment in Morocco

The Atlas Afoughal cooperative is emerging as a successful example of rural women’s economic empowerment through support provided by Morocco’s National Initiative for Human Development (INDH). Based in the commune of Moulay Bouazza in Khénifra Province, the cooperative has expanded income-generating activities by promoting local products while contributing to the growth of the social and solidarity economy.

Founded in 2022, the cooperative brings together women of different ages who have transformed traditional skills into sustainable economic opportunities. Their work has strengthened financial independence for members while increasing their participation in the local economy and community life.

According to cooperative president Souad Mimouni, the Atlas Afoughal cooperative specializes in producing and marketing several varieties of couscous, one of the region’s flagship traditional products. The cooperative also develops medicinal and aromatic plants by promoting responsible management of natural resources, improving production conditions, and enhancing product quality to meet market requirements.

Mimouni said these activities are designed to create new commercial opportunities for local products while improving members’ living conditions through stable income-generating projects. The initiative allows women to build on their expertise and reinforce their economic independence.

The cooperative’s progress reflects the broader impact of the National Initiative for Human Development on women’s cooperatives across Morocco. Through financial assistance, technical support, capacity building, equipment financing, and marketing assistance, the INDH has helped strengthen production capabilities and improve market access for local enterprises.

Since its launch in 2005 by King Mohammed VI, the INDH has placed cooperatives at the center of its strategy to promote social and solidarity economy initiatives. The program continues to support local development by financing projects, strengthening technical skills, improving production capacity, and encouraging sustainable entrepreneurship in rural communities.