BY YUSUFU ABU SESAY
The Orange Foundation Sierra Leone has on Friday, 21st November 2025, certified 150 students who successfully completed intensive digital training at the Orange Digital Centre. The 2025 Certification and Demo Day showcased the impact of the programme, which equipped participants with a wide range of digital competencies, including frontend web development, 3D design and printing, entrepreneurship for start-ups, office administration, and specialized digital courses for Persons with Disabilities. These tailored modules covered cyber security, business development, artificial intelligence, technology literacy and other emerging digital skills.

Making a statement, Chief Executive Officer, Orange Sierra Leone, Sekou Amadou Bah described the event as a major milestone in the institution’s ongoing commitment to digital inclusion, innovation, and youth empowerment in Sierra Leone.

The CEO noted that the past five months have seen significant progress, including the expansion of the Centre’s physical facilities and the deepening of its nationwide impact.
He said the new Orange Digital Centre is a modern hub of creativity and innovation, designed to provide young people with an enabling environment to acquire cutting-edge digital skills and explore emerging technologies.

According to him, this year’s programmes included training in front-end web development, two cohorts of office assistance courses, the ODC NextGen Summer Camp, and three cohorts of Coursera-supported online training.
He said the Foundation also rolled out specialized courses for women and girls to advance gender equality in the digital space.

The CEO said that the centre long-term impact continues to grow, with over 6,000 young people trained nationwide, including 2,000 women and girls. Additionally, 600 beneficiaries have either gained employment or secured placements facilitated through the ODC.
Addressing the 2025 graduating class, he commended the students’ discipline and determination, stressing that the skills acquired will enhance their creativity, strengthen problem-solving capabilities, and position them as key contributors to Sierra Leone’s digital transformation.

He further encouraged graduates to apply their skills to improve public service delivery, support small business digitalization, develop youth-focused platforms, and promote digital literacy among women, girls, and vulnerable groups.
Delivering the keynote statement, Minister of Social Welfare, Madam Melrose Karmity commended Orange for Advancing Digital Inclusion and National Development Agenda
She said His Excellency the President and the people of Sierra Leone, have expressed profound appreciation to Orange for its continued commitment to corporate social responsibility and national development.

The Minister noted that Orange has consistently complemented government efforts, particularly in advancing the technology and innovation pillar of the National Midterm Development Plan, also known as the Five Game Changers.
According to her, the Foundation’s work is especially commendable for its inclusive approach.

"Several persons with disabilities referred to as persons with special abilities were among those receiving certificates, a milestone she described as personally meaningful and aligned with the President’s vision of inclusive governance.

“These certificates are not just documents, they are empowerment tools,” she stated, urging beneficiaries to apply their skills to drive impact in their communities, workplaces, and the wider digital economy.

Referencing global technological advancements, including insights gained from the Second World Summit on Social Development in Qatar, the Minister emphasized the urgency for young people to embrace digital innovation and seize emerging opportunities.

The Minister concluded by acknowledging Orange’s meaningful contribution to national development and its positive impact on young people, including those with special abilities.

Giving the vote of thanks, one of the graduates, Mabel Boima, on behalf of her colleagues, expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Orange Foundation for giving them the opportunity to explore their talents. She added that they will ensure the knowledge acquired is fully utilized to positively impact society.

The Orange Digital Centre continues to serve as a fully integrated ecosystem designed to train, empower and support young technology enthusiasts and innovative start-ups across Sierra Leone.