Social Innovators

Themes: Education, justice, and civic engagement

La Zone d’Expression Prioritaire (ZEP) (France)

A voice for the invisible: Gives populations from disadvantaged neighbourhoods, French overseas departments and territories or rural areas with little or no representation a chance to express their realities and opinions in the public space.

Educational impact: Spearheaded by journalists, this initiative highlights overlooked stories and perspectives, and builds skills in written expression and critical thinking.

Social cohesion: Encourages dialogue and understanding between different communities by promoting authentic stories, offering an alternative to media stereotypes, restoring confidence in journalistic information and strengthening the social fabric.

An urgent need in France: At a time when social and cultural inequalities are exacerbating divisions, the ZEP is tackling the issues of representation and expression, which are essential for an inclusive democracy.

Themes: Civic and democratic engagement

Idaraty (Tunisia)

Idaraty is a civitech start-up, simplifying and democratising access to administrative information and public services. It connects over 3 million citizens with 3,500+ public institutions through innovative platforms that enhance access to public services.

5 different digital platforms to assess and transform the quality of digital public services, simplify access to legal texts or public statistical data, or facilitate foreign investment in Tunisia.

Societal change: rebuilding the social contract in the cradle of the Arab revolutions, strengthening transparency, efficiency and trust between the State and all its beneficiaries. Fighting for transparency, accountability of public officials and anti-corruption

Themes: climate change, justice

Mandulis Energy (Uganda)

Revolutionise agriculture, energy generation and clean-cooking by transforming waste into biochar, a revolutionary fertiliser and an environmentally-friendly alternative to charcoal.

Multi-layered impact: improves soil fertility and food security, significantly reduces greenhouse gas emissions, strengthens the economic resilience, health and education of marginalised rural communities.

Mandulis was selected for its ability to scale up and become a champion in the fields of bioenergy and biochar in East Africa. The aim is to promote local businesses that directly benefit marginalised communities.