Talents of the Overseas Territories: 20 Years of Excellence

In the historic amphitheatre of Paris’s former Faculty of Medicine, a place steeped in knowledge and memory, a unique sense of pride fills the room. Researchers, artists, engineers, lawyers, physicians and entrepreneurs have gathered—women and men whose journeys began in Guadeloupe, Martinique, French Guiana, Réunion, Mayotte, French Polynesia, New Caledonia or Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon. Different paths, different disciplines, yet one shared strength: transforming their overseas roots into a powerful driver of excellence.

The 11th edition of the Talents of the Overseas Territories Awards, organised by CASODOM, marks a symbolic milestone: twenty years of a prize that has become a benchmark, with more than 428 outstanding individuals recognised since its creation in 2005. Far more than an awards ceremony, the initiative has grown into a platform for recognition, inspiration and intergenerational transmission, highlighting the contribution of overseas talents to France, Europe and the wider world.

A Vision Rooted in a Longstanding Commitment

Founded in 1962, the CASODOM (Committee for Social Action for People from the Overseas Departments) has long been committed to supporting, empowering and promoting individuals from France’s overseas territories. The creation of the Talents of the Overseas Territories Awards stemmed from a clear ambition: to shine a light on exceptional achievements that too often remain invisible, and to celebrate those whose work and dedication contribute to society at large.

Over the past two decades, this vision has taken shape as a respected national initiative, now placed under the High Patronage of the President of the French Republic, reflecting its institutional recognition and symbolic importance.

An Awards Ceremony Reflecting the Excellence It Celebrates

The choice of venue underscores the spirit of the event. Within this prestigious academic setting, each laureate receives more than a trophy—they receive collective recognition.

The awards honour two complementary profiles:

Young Talents, students or early-career professionals at a pivotal moment in their journey;
Established Talents, whose careers have already achieved national or international recognition.

For Young Talents, the award represents encouragement, confidence and a projection into the future, reinforced by financial support. For Established Talents, it is a moment of acknowledgment and a call to transmission—sharing experience, mentoring and inspiring the next generation.

Diverse Fields, a Shared Commitment to Excellence

Arts and culture, media, law, economics, political science, research, higher education, engineering, health, entrepreneurship, innovation and civic engagement—the diversity of disciplines represented reflects the breadth and vitality of overseas talent.

In the arts and cultural fields, laureates explore identity, memory and contemporary issues, creating works that resonate far beyond their territories of origin. Their creativity demonstrates that overseas cultures are dynamic, modern and globally relevant.

In scientific research and medicine, the awardees stand out for their rigour and impact. Their work addresses major global challenges, from public health and environmental sustainability to technological innovation, often rooted in the specific realities of island and remote territories.

Lawyers, economists and political scientists contribute to shaping public policy, governance and regulatory frameworks, both nationally and internationally. Their expertise plays a key role in ensuring that overseas perspectives are fully integrated into broader institutional and policy discussions.

Meanwhile, engineers, scientists and entrepreneurs embody innovation and resilience. From digital transformation and energy transition to socially driven enterprises, their initiatives position overseas territories as true laboratories of ideas and solutions for the future.

Individual Journeys with Collective Meaning

Beyond professional achievements, the stories of the laureates share common values: perseverance, hard work and resilience. Many have faced geographical distance, demanding environments and the need to constantly prove themselves.

Family support, education, mentorship and decisive encounters often emerge as turning points in their journeys. With success comes responsibility—the responsibility to give back, to mentor, and to serve as role models.

Being recognised as a Talent of the Overseas Territories is not only a personal honour; it is an invitation to embody a collective narrative and to inspire younger generations.

Youth at the Heart of the Initiative

For twenty years, youth has remained central to the CASODOM’s mission. The Talents of the Overseas Territories Awards are not a static showcase but a dynamic source of inspiration.

Each edition sends a clear message to young people from overseas territories:
your ambitions are legitimate, your heritage is a strength, and your place is wherever your talent can flourish.

By fostering dialogue between generations and promoting role models, the initiative helps build confidence, aspiration and long-term vision.

A Lasting Impact on a Global Scale

Two decades on, the impact of the Talents of the Overseas Territories Awards is undeniable. Many former laureates now hold key positions in research, culture, business, healthcare and public institutions across France and internationally. Their work contributes to global innovation, social progress and cultural influence, while strengthening the visibility of overseas territories worldwide.

Recognition as a Responsibility

This 11th edition serves as a reminder that recognition is not an endpoint. It is a foundation for continued engagement, ethical leadership and collective responsibility.

At a time when societies face profound social, environmental and economic challenges, the journeys highlighted by CASODOM demonstrate that solutions can emerge from all territories—and that overseas talents play a vital role in shaping the future.

Looking Ahead

Twenty years after its creation, the Talents of the Overseas Territories Awards remain driven by a clear ambition: to reveal talent, build connections and inspire future generations.

Through each laureate, a shared memory is honoured, a new generation is empowered, and a future grounded in excellence and diversity takes shape.

Talents of the Overseas Territories 2025: The 8 Award Categories

For this 11th edition, CASODOM has recognised outstanding individuals across eight major categories, reflecting the diversity and impact of overseas talents:

ARTS, CULTURE, LITERATURE, COMMUNICATION

Gaëlle BÉLEM, Réunion
Winona BERRY, Saint-Barthélemy
Angelord BLAISE, Martinique
Zaïa CANNEVAL, Guadeloupe
Amallyah Peyssa KOLIVAI, Wallis and Futuna
Livia LOUIS-JOSEPH-DOGUÉ, Martinique

MEDICINE, HEALTH

Alexandre ACRAMEL, Guadeloupe
Xavier AH-KIT, Réunion
François APPAVOUPOULLÉ, Réunion
Émeline COLOMBA, Martinique
Rachel FERRERE, Martinique
Thibaud RIVIERE, Réunion
Mariana SOUFFOU, Mayotte
Lyne VALENTINO, Guadeloupe

LAW, POLITICAL SCIENCE, PUBLIC MANAGEMENT

Saïfoudine AHAMADI, Mayotte
Ziyad AMOJEE, Réunion
Gaëlle BLEAU, Martinique
Anthony FERRATY, Martinique
Ben Mohamed HAMADA, Mayotte
Quentin PALAMA, Réunion
Frédéric SAUTRON, Réunion
Kamal YOUSSOUF, Mayotte

HIGHER EDUCATION, RESEARCH

Cynthia BAILLY SINYEUE, New Caledonia
Samuel CHAN-ASHING, Réunion
Grégoire DAVIGNON, New Caledonia
Malia LASALO, New Caledonia
Maïlie SAINT-HILAIRE, Martinique
Luciani MERY, Guadeloupe
Stéphanie PARASSOURAMANAIK, Réunion
Anthony REY-POMMIER, Guadeloupe
Jannaï TOKOTOKO, New Caledonia

ENGINEERING

Christophe AUGUSTIN, Réunion
Alan BOODIE, French Guiana
Ingrid CHAMPROBERT, Martinique
Alexandra BÈGUE, Réunion
Fazati BOURAHIMA, Mayotte
Esteban DECLINE, Réunion
Faysoil HALIDI, Mayotte
Guillaume HOAREAU, Réunion
Prescilla LAMBERT, Martinique
Claire NANNETTE, Guadeloupe
Clément PAYET, Réunion
Victoria RENAUDIN, French Guiana
Aymeric ZHUO, French Guiana

ENTREPRENEURSHIP AND MANAGEMENT

Célian CAFOURNET, Guadeloupe
Orlane TANCONS, Guadeloupe
Matthias BOURBON, Guadeloupe
Matthias DUREUIL, Martinique
Luidgi CAROLINA-LITAN, Martinique
Vanessa MONTANARI, Guadeloupe
Anne-Laure MOREL, Réunion
Marie-Elmège TINK-LONG-KI, New Caledonia