By Sallieu S. Kanu
Sierra Leone: Chief Minister David Moinina Sengeh has praised Orange Sierra Leone for its transformative role in advancing the country’s digital ecosystem, highlighting the impact of the Orange Digital Center (ODC) in building skills and opportunities for young people.
Reflecting on his early engagement with the company, the Chief Minister recalled encouraging Orange’s leadership to establish the Digital Center nearly seven years ago. “Today, I visited that Center and the impact is incredible,” he noted.
Since its launch six years ago, the Orange Digital Center has trained more than 7,000 young people in diverse digital skills, including computer‑aided design and coding. Several beneficiaries have gone on to develop award‑winning solutions with real societal impact. Nearly half of the participants have been girls and women, underscoring the Center’s commitment to gender inclusion.
The initiative has expanded beyond Freetown, with new hubs established in Bo and Makeni, broadening access to digital training across the country.
During his visit, Chief Minister Sengeh commended current CEO Madam Aminata Touré and her leadership team for their continued support to young people, creatives, and entrepreneurs. He emphasized that technology and human capital development remain central to Sierra Leone’s “Big Five” national priorities, noting that partnerships with the private sector are critical to delivering progress.
Orange Digital Center, part of a global network of innovation hubs, provides free training, mentorship, and incubation for startups. In Sierra Leone, it has become a cornerstone for digital empowerment, bridging skills gaps and fostering innovation among the country’s youth.
“With private sector, together #WeAreDelivering,” the Chief Minister affirmed, underscoring the government’s commitment to harnessing technology for inclusive growth.