By Alvin Lansana Kargbo

Orange Sierra Leone took centre stage at the 2025 Digital Government Summit held from June 4th to 6th at the Bintumani Conference Centre in Freetown, showcasing its bold commitment to advancing digital inclusion, youth empowerment and national development through technology. The summit, hosted by the Ministry of Communication, Technology and Innovation (MOCTI), brought together Government officials, development partners, private sector leaders and innovators under the theme of accelerating Sierra Leone’s digital transformation.

As a lead sponsor, Orange Sierra Leone’s involvement extended beyond mere visibility; it symbolized the private sector’s vital role in driving systemic change within the country’s digital landscape. The company delivered a comprehensive showcase of its investments in connectivity, innovation and human capital through interactive exhibitions, skills training sessions and high-level policy discussions.

A standout feature of the summit was Orange’s futuristic AI-powered booth, which attracted significant interest from attendees and dignitaries alike. On the opening day, His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio visited the booth and acknowledged Orange as a key stakeholder in Sierra Leone’s digital future. The following day, Vice President Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh engaged with the AI experience, generating an animated avatar of himself as an astronaut, symbolizing the nation’s journey into a technology-powered future.

The booth also showcased demonstrations in artificial intelligence, esports, coding, business solutions and career development, creating an inspiring and interactive environment for young people and professionals.

During a panel discussion titled “Digital Infrastructure and Inclusive Governance – Building for Tomorrow, Today,” Danetta Younge, General Secretary of Orange Sierra Leone, emphasized that digital infrastructure is not just a business priority but a foundation for equitable national growth. “At Orange Sierra Leone, we firmly believe that digital infrastructure is the backbone of inclusive growth,” she said. “Our commitment goes beyond expansion; it is about sustainability, security and inclusion.”

Danetta Younge revealed that Orange has deployed nine deep rural sites and modernized over 550 sites nationwide, enabling widespread 4G connectivity and laying the groundwork for 5G technology. The company now operates two data centres, including a newly completed €23 million facility in Bo, which is slated for inauguration in the coming months. This infrastructure is crucial not only for network reliability but also for supporting government e-services and digital governance initiatives.

Highlighting the human element of Orange’s strategy, Danetta Younge pointed to the company’s investment in people, particularly youth and women, through free digital skills training, mentorship and entrepreneurship support. “We train today to equip for tomorrow,” she stated, referring to the Orange Digital Centres (ODCs) in Freetown, Bo and Makeni. Over the past three years, these centres have provided training to more than 5,000 young people, with 760 successfully transitioning into the job market.

In addition to the ODCs, Orange operates three women-focused digital centres designed to empower girls and women through career advancement and digital literacy programs.

Innovation was further encouraged through the Mini Orange Social Venture Prize (OSVP), a pitch competition spotlighting young entrepreneurs. After three days of intense competition, Andrew Sahr Norma of Greentech Bioenergy claimed the top prize of NLe 10,000. The Annie Walsh Memorial School team secured second place with their plastic recycling project, while Ishmeal Kamara of NextGen Tech Solutions finished third.

Danetta Younge also highlighted past OSVP success stories including Monice of Educube, Joseph Koroma of Lifeblood, Osman Yayah of Smart Irrigation, winner of the 2024 Agri Challenge and James from Sierra Electric Kekeh. These examples, she said, demonstrate the real impact of consistent private sector support on the innovation ecosystem. “The OSVP is more than a competition; it is a launchpad for scalable, homegrown solutions,” she affirmed.

Orange Sierra Leone’s efforts extend into financial inclusion through partnerships such as that with the Bank of Sierra Leone. The company has introduced services like the Kwik Money Loan and other microloan products via Orange Money, reaching unbanked and underbanked populations across the country.

“Digital, financial, and social inclusion must go hand in hand,” Danetta Younge stressed. “Our role is to be a trusted partner to both Government and society in making digital transformation accessible and impactful for everyone.”

She acknowledged operational challenges such as rising energy costs, foreign exchange instability and regulatory unpredictability but framed these as opportunities for localized innovation and stronger public-private collaboration.

Orange’s presence at the summit was more than corporate branding; it reflected a deep-seated commitment to national development. The company’s efforts align closely with Government objectives to foster digital equity and inclusive governance. From deploying cutting-edge infrastructure to nurturing talent and supporting startups, Orange continues to position itself as a central player in Sierra Leone’s digital future.

The summit concluded with a clear and consistent message from Orange Sierra Leone: “Digital transformation must be inclusive, intentional, and people-centered.” Through bold investments and community-focused programs, Orange is helping to ensure that no one is left behind on the country’s digital journey. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/orange-sierra-leone-champions-youth-empowerment-and-digital-growth-at-2025-government-summit/