“Independence gives us the courage to challenge the status quo and create bold, contextual solutions rather than replicate what already exists. At IRIBA, we dared to believe that drinking water in Africa could be both a human right and a sustainable service. Freed from rigid models, we have built innovative systems such as state-of-the-art water vending machines and a franchise model that empowers women and young people. Independence is the pulse of our creativity and represents not isolation, but rather the freedom to lead with purpose.”

IRIBA Water Group is a social enterprise committed to distributing drinking water while respecting environmental standards and the climate.

“We are social creatures; we need each other. We all exist within an ecosystem, and we’re not in control; rather, nature and the universe are. One of the reasons we’re struggling with climate change and biodiversity loss is that for too long we’ve seen ourselves as the supreme creature of an ecosystem, but these crises are reminding us of our place. We are interdependent. Innovation at Elvis & Kresse is driven by the desire to prove that this interdependence exists, to prove that the circular economy is possible. Our driving force is to demonstrate that regenerative businesses are the only ones worth supporting and that kindness is not a weakness. We believe we can be highly innovative as a species without relying on extraction and exploitation to fund or sustain invention, progress or growth. Innovation is driven by our commitment to give exponentially more than we take from our ecosystem. Given the challenges we face, imagine how powerful this kind of driving force can be!”

Elvis & Kresse transforms waste materials such as fire hoses and coffee bags into precious objects and accessories.

“Independence allows you to go beyond the noise – to listen to your own inner drumbeat. This gives you the freedom to follow what really suits you, not what the world expects or dictates. It’s what provides space for crazy ideas, wild dreams and “what ifs” – all while drowning out the background noise of “you can’t,” “you shouldn’t” or “it’s impossible.” True independence means you can think big and act even bigger, unfettered by money, resources or convention. Most importantly, it frees you from constraining beliefs – the heaviest chains of all. Innovation doesn’t come from following the rules; it comes from the courage to question, rethink and rewrite them.”

Little Thinking Minds creates digital platforms dedicated to learning and reading Arabic for students from kindergarten to secondary school.