By Julius Mustapha Harding
On June 11, 2024, Orange Sierra Leone joined forces with the Ministry of Communication, Technology, and Innovation to host the 2024 Sierra Leone Innovate Tech Summit. The event is being held at the Bitumani Conference Hall in Freetown, drawing tech enthusiasts, young entrepreneurs, and industry leaders.
This partnership underscores Orange Sierra Leone’s commitment to fostering a robust digital ecosystem in the country. By leveraging their extensive digital resources, Orange is providing young Sierra Leoneans with unparalleled access to free online computer courses through newly created platforms. These courses are part of the Orange Digital Service (ODS), designed to equip the youth with critical skills necessary for navigating and excelling in the digital economy.
The summit features a series of dynamic presentations and workshops, highlighting the innovative potential of Sierra Leone’s tech-savvy youth. Among the key attractions is the showcase of Orange’s own innovators, who are set to share their groundbreaking ideas and projects with the audience. This interaction aims to inspire and empower young minds to pursue their own technological ventures.
A significant moment of the summit was the visit of President Julius Maada Bio to the Orange Sierra Leone booth. During this visit, the CEO of Orange Sierra Leone warmly welcomed the President and provided an insightful overview of the company’s strategic initiatives.
President Bio expressed his appreciation for Orange’s efforts and highlighted the importance of public-private partnerships in driving national development. He commended the initiative to provide free educational resources, noting that such efforts are instrumental in bridging the digital divide and creating opportunities for the youth.
The 2024 Sierra Leone Innovate Tech Summit is more than just a gathering of tech enthusiasts; it represents a collaborative effort to propel Sierra Leone into a new era of digital innovation. By offering free online courses and showcasing local talent, Orange Sierra Leone is playing a pivotal role in nurturing the next generation of tech leaders. This initiative aligns with the broader national agenda of leveraging technology for sustainable development.
As the summit progresses, it is expected to foster meaningful dialogues, spark new collaborations, and pave the way for innovative solutions to some of the country’s most pressing challenges. Orange Sierra Leone, through its proactive engagement and strategic initiatives, continues to demonstrate its unwavering commitment to the technological advancement and overall development of Sierra Leone.
