Social and Solidarity Economy in France Employs Nearly 2.7 Million, Shows New Panorama

The social and solidarity economy (ESS) sector in France stands out as a vital component of the national economic fabric in 2026, employing approximately 2.68 million people across over 146,800 employer enterprises. This significant contribution was detailed in the recent panorama published by ESS France, casting light on the scale and importance of social and economic activities driven by the ESS in the country.

According to the ESS France report, these enterprises not only provide broad employment opportunities but also play a key role in fostering social cohesion and solidarity within communities. The sector encompasses a variety of organizations that prioritize social impact alongside economic performance, marking it as a crucial segment in France’s diversified economic landscape.

The report arrives at a time when broader cultural and economic dialogues are also underway, such as those observed at the 18th Biennale de Lyon. Although this art event—featuring 120 artists from 42 nations—is primarily focused on the intersection of contemporary art and economy, it notably sidesteps discussion on the commercial art market, highlighting instead themes such as industrial production and international trade. In contrast, the ESS panorama underscores the robust real-world social and economic impacts of solidarity-driven enterprises.

The panorama’s findings help underline the growing relevance of the ESS sector in a modern and inclusive economy, spotlighting its role in driving employment and supporting societal well-being in France through a substantial network of social-oriented businesses.