Digital giant Orange boosts its digital presence with a novel innovation center in Guinea-Bissau
Orange, a leading telecommunications company, has expanded its digital footprint in Africa with the opening of a new Orange Digital Centre (ODC) in Guinea-Bissau. The centre is part of a network of 26 similar centres across Africa, the Middle East, and Europe, and is designed as a comprehensive ecosystem for digital skills development, innovation, and entrepreneurship.
The ODC in Guinea-Bissau is another step in Orange's ongoing efforts to bridge the digital divide in Africa. Brelotte Ba, Deputy CEO of Orange Middle East and Africa, described the ODC as a catalyst for Guinea-Bissau's digital future. Sekou Dramé, CEO of Sonatel and chairman of Orange Bissau's board, framed the ODC's inauguration as a crucial step in fostering innovation and digital inclusion in the country.
The centre houses a coding school, a 'FabLab Solidaire', a startup accelerator (Orange Fab), and benefits from the backing of Orange Ventures Africa. The startup hub, although not clearly defined in the context, seems to be part of the Orange Startup Studio, an innovation and entrepreneurship hub of Sonatel, supporting entrepreneurs in Senegal and Africa through its programs like the Startup Lab and Orange Fab.
The ODC offers free programs for enhancing digital competencies among young people. These initiatives reflect Orange's strategic focus on leveraging digital technology to drive economic growth and social development across Africa. The primary goal of the ODC network is to foster local talent and support the growth of a vibrant digital ecosystem across the continent.
Orange is positioning itself as a key player in the continent's digital transformation journey by providing resources, training, and investment opportunities. The company's digital footprint expansion in Africa extends beyond the ODC network. In May 2024, Orange Ventures partnered with Digital Africa to increase investments in tech startups across Africa and the Middle East through the Fuzé program.
This partnership followed an earlier joint initiative in April, launching the "DigiGreen & Agri" project in Côte d'Ivoire to promote digital transformation in the agricultural sector. Thérese Nogoye Tounkara, CEO of Orange Guinea Bissau, emphasized the role of digital transformation in achieving sustainable development goals.
The ODC provides free access to cutting-edge resources for inspiring a new generation of creators and leaders. These centres aim to support startups throughout their lifecycle, stimulating regional entrepreneurship and innovation. The centre's primary focus is on enhancing employability and nurturing local entrepreneurial talent.
In conclusion, the opening of the Orange Digital Centre in Guinea-Bissau marks a significant milestone in Orange's efforts to drive digital transformation across Africa. The centre is expected to play a pivotal role in fostering innovation, digital inclusion, and entrepreneurship in Guinea-Bissau, contributing to the continent's digital future.
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