By Ibrahim Sesay
The Orange Foundation Sierra Leone on Friday, 21st November 2025, certified 150 young Sierra Leoneans who successfully completed intensive digital training programmes at the Orange Digital Centre (ODC). The 2025 Certification and Demo Day highlighted the Centre’s growing impact in advancing digital skills, innovation and inclusive empowerment across the country.
The graduates completed a range of highly sought-after courses, including frontend web development, 3D design and printing, office administration, entrepreneurship for start-ups and specialized digital training designed for Persons with Disabilities. The modules also explored cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, technology literacy and business development; equipping participants with skills relevant to today’s fast-evolving digital economy.
Chief Executive Officer of Orange Sierra Leone, Sekou Amadou Bah, described the ceremony as a major milestone in the company’s continued investment in digital inclusion and youth empowerment. He emphasized that the past five months have been transformative, marked by expanded facilities, upgraded learning infrastructure and increased national reach.
He noted that the new Orange Digital Centre stands as a modern hub for creativity and technological discovery, enabling young people to access cutting-edge tools and opportunities. This year’s programmes, he disclosed, included multiple cohorts in office assistance, specialized Coursera-supported online training, the ODC NextGen Summer Camp and dedicated courses for women and girls to advance gender equality in the digital space.
Highlighting the Centre’s long-term achievements, the CEO revealed that over 6,000 young Sierra Leoneans, including 2,000 women and girls have been trained nationwide since the Centre was established. More than 600 beneficiaries have secured jobs or placements through ODC support mechanisms.
Addressing the graduates, Sekou Amadou Bah applauded their commitment and discipline, stating that the knowledge they acquired positions them as creative thinkers and active contributors to Sierra Leone’s ongoing digital transformation. He encouraged them to apply their skills to improve public service delivery, support small businesses, expand digital literacy among women and vulnerable groups, and contribute to the development of youth-focused platforms.
Delivering the keynote address, Minister of Social Welfare, Madam Melrose Karminty, commended Orange for its sustained commitment to national development and corporate social responsibility. She said President Julius Maada Bio and the people of Sierra Leone deeply appreciate Orange’s continuous support toward the technology and innovation pillar of the National Midterm Development Plan, popularly known as the Five Game Changers.
The Minister praised the Foundation’s inclusive approach, noting the participation of several Persons with Disabilities, whom she referred to as persons with special abilities. She described that as a meaningful achievement aligned with the President’s vision for an inclusive and people-centered governance system.
“These certificates are not just documents; they are empowerment tools,” she emphasized, urging graduates to use their knowledge to make a positive difference in their communities and workplaces. She also underscored the need for young people to embrace innovation, referencing global digital shifts discussed at the Second World Summit on Social Development in Qatar.
One of the graduates, Mabel Boima, delivered the vote of thanks on behalf of her colleagues, expressing heartfelt appreciation to Orange Foundation for creating a platform that allowed them to discover and develop their talents. She assured that the graduates would use their newly acquired skills to contribute meaningfully to national progress.
The Orange Digital Centre remains a key pillar in Sierra Leone’s digital ecosystem, offering an integrated platform that nurtures young innovators, expands digital competence and supports emerging start-ups across the country.
