By Alvin Lansana Kargbo
Orange Sierra Leone took centre stage at the 2025 Digital Government Summit, held on the 4-6 of June at the Bintumani Conference Centre in Freetown, demonstrating 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), convened 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 presence went beyond visibility, it became a symbol of the private sector’s potential to drive systemic change in the digital space. From interactive exhibitions and skills training to high-level policy discussions, Orange delivered a full-scale showcase of its investments in connectivity, innovation, and human capital.
A major highlight of the summit was Orange’s futuristic, AI-powered booth, which drew considerable interest from attendees and dignitaries alike. On the first day, His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio visited the booth, acknowledging Orange’s role as a key stakeholder in Sierra Leone’s digital future. And on the second day, Vice President Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh engaged with the AI experience, generating an animated avatar of himself as an astronaut, symbolizing Sierra Leone’s journey into a tech-powered future.
The booth also featured demonstrations in artificial intelligence, esports, coding, business solutions, and career development, creating a highly interactive and inspirational environment for young participants and professionals.
Speaking during a panel discussion on “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,” Younge said. “Our commitment goes beyond expansion, it’s about sustainability, security, and inclusion.”
She revealed that Orange has rolled out nine deep rural sites and modernized over 550 sites nationwide, enabling 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 set to be inaugurated in the coming months. This infrastructure, she noted, is vital not only for reliability but also for supporting government e-services and digital governance initiatives.
Infrastructure, however, is only one part of the equation. Younge highlighted Orange’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, referencing the company’s Orange Digital Centres (ODCs) in Freetown, Bo, and Makeni, which have provided training to over 5,000 young people in the past three years.
Of these, 760 have already transitioned 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 also encouraged through the Mini Orange Social Venture Prize (OSVP), a pitch competition designed to spotlight young entrepreneurs. Five finalists emerged after three days of competition.
On the final day of the summit, Andrew Sahr Norma of Greentech Bioenergy claimed the top prize of NLe 10,000. The Annie Walsh Memorial School team placed second with their plastic recycling project, and Ishmeal Kamara of NextGen Tech Solutions secured third place.
Younge proudly referenced 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, represent the real impact of consistent private sector support in the innovation ecosystem.
“The OSVP is more than a competition; it’s a launchpad for scalable, homegrown solutions,” she said.Orange Sierra Leone’s efforts also extend into financial inclusion. Through partnerships such as 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,” 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, rising energy costs, foreign exchange instability, and regulatory unpredictability but framed them as opportunities for localized innovation and stronger public-private cooperation.
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.
As the summit concluded, the message from Orange Sierra Leone was clear and consistent: “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 in the country’s digital journey.
