Orange (https://www.Orange.com/en) is pleased to announce the opening of the Orange Digital Center (ODC) Guinea-Bissau today. This center is dedicated to developing digital skills, promoting innovation, enhancing the employability of young people, and supporting local entrepreneurship. The opening ceremony is attended by prominent political figures, including the Minister of Transport, Telecoms, and the Digital Economy, as well as members of Orange Guinea Bissau management and the Orange Africa and Middle East Management Committee.
The Orange Digital Center (ODC) is a hub that offers various free programs to all individuals. These programs include digital training for young people, support for project leaders, startup acceleration, and investment opportunities. This initiative signifies Orange’s commitment to digital development and socio-economic inclusion in Guinea-Bissau.
The center features a coding school, a “FabLab Solidaire” for digital production and prototyping, an “Orange Fab” startup accelerator, and is supported by Orange Ventures Africa, the investment fund of the Orange Group that invests in promising startups.
Orange Digital Center Bissau is part of a network of 26 ODCs across Africa, the Middle East, and Europe. These centers facilitate the exchange of experiences and expertise among countries while promoting youth employability, fostering innovative entrepreneurship, and enhancing the local digital ecosystem.
In partnership with universities, Orange Guinea Bissau plans to offer free training to students and establish Orange Digital Center Clubs in select universities to extend the ODC’s reach to regions like Canchungo. The goal is to provide access to new technologies and empower more individuals to leverage them effectively.
Through the ODC, Orange is committed to supporting youth employability, sustainable growth, and the country’s digital transformation efforts. The program also aims to promote gender equality by facilitating access to ICT jobs for women and girls.
This initiative aligns with the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, focusing on goals such as quality education, gender equality, decent work and economic growth, industry innovation, reduced inequality, and partnerships for sustainable development.
Brelotte Ba, Deputy CEO of Orange Middle East and Africa, expressed: “I’m delighted to inaugurate Guinea-Bissau’s Orange Digital Center, a hub for innovation and digital inclusion. This space represents a promise of transformation and growth for Guinea-Bissau’s digital future and Africa as a whole. By providing access to top-notch resources, we aim to inspire a new generation of leaders and creators, contributing to an inclusive digital economy.”
Sekou Dramé, CEO of Sonatel and Chairman of the Board of Orange Bissau, added: “The launch of the Orange Digital Center in Bissau is a significant step in our commitment to innovation and digital inclusion in Guinea-Bissau. By offering young talents the tools they need, we are fostering a dynamic and sustainable digital ecosystem, driving positive societal change through technology and digital education.”
Thérèse Nogoye Tounkara, CEO of Orange Guinea Bissau, stated: “Digital transformation plays a vital role in achieving sustainable development goals and making a meaningful impact. Orange Bissau is dedicated to leading this transformation in Guinea-Bissau by providing tailored solutions for the entire population.”
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Orange Middle East and Africa.
OMEA press contacts:
Stella Fumey
stella.fumey@orange.com
Orange Guinea Bissau press contacts:
Djenane Pereira de Jesus
DJENANE PEREIRA DE JESUS
DJENANEPEREIRA.DEJESUS@orange-sonatel.com
About Orange Middle-East and Africa (OMEA):
Orange operates in 18 countries in Africa and the Middle East with 149 million customers as of December 2023. With 7.1 billion euros in revenues in 2023, Orange MEA is the fastest-growing area within the Orange group. Orange Money, its mobile-based financial services offer, is accessible in 17 countries with over 90 million customers. As a multi-service operator and digital transformation partner, Orange leverages its expertise to support new digital services in Africa and the Middle East.
About Orange Guinea Bissau:
Orange Bissau has been active in Guinea-Bissau since 2007, offering telecommunications services such as mobile telephony, internet, and data services. As a subsidiary of the Sonatel Group, Orange Bissau is a market leader in the country, providing multi-service and digital solutions to contribute to socio-economic development.