The network of experts Recherches & Solidarités, in partnership with the Ministry of Sports, Youth, and Associative Life, has published the 2026 figures for the associative sector in Nouvelle-Aquitaine. These data reveal a continuous growth in the number of associations in the region, rising from 7550 creations between July 2024 and July 2025 to 8190 for the 2025-2026 period, an increase of 640.
This trend, mirroring the national trajectory, shows a steady increase in association creations. However, Nouvelle-Aquitaine has distinguished itself with particular vitality since the health crisis, surpassing the national average.
Over the past three years, new associations have been established across all sectors. Culture leads with 26.1%, followed by sports (18.8%) and leisure (13.8%). Education and training accounted for 4.3% of new structures, while the economy, including employment support and local development, represented 3.8%.
Nearly 160,000 associations are considered active in Nouvelle-Aquitaine. These organizations rely primarily on volunteer work, estimated at 1.25 million people. Salaried employment, though a minority, remains significant, accounting for 9.8% of the private sector with 172,010 employees spread across 14,850 associations with fewer than three employees.
Despite general confidence in their future, concerns persist within associations. These include a decline in the number of volunteers for some, and financial pressures for others.
