Orange Sierra Leone, a prominent player in the tech sector, made significant strides at the first-ever Sierra Leone National Tech Summit held in June. The company's initiatives in digital education, collaboration with the government on the proposed Tech City project, and its participation as a key sponsor and partner in the summit showcased its commitment to technological advancement and economic growth.

The Tech Summit attracted over 3,000 delegates and 50 panelists from diverse sectors, providing a platform for networking, collaboration, and knowledge sharing, with His Excellency Julius Maada Bio serving as the keynote speaker. Orange Sierra Leone played a pivotal role in the event's success, contributing to its overall impact.

Speaking to Orange Corporate Social Responsibility Department, Mabel Mason stated that the summit served as a catalyst for networking, collaboration, and lead generation, contributing to Orange Sierra Leone's growth and revenue objectives.

This was evident in their business-to-business (B2B) exhibitions, where OSL was able to showcase its products, engage with customers, and foster valuable partnerships.

The Orange Digital Centre (ODC) and Orange Social Venture Prize (OSVP) curated sessions, which featured past OSVP winners, left an indelible mark on young entrepreneurs. The real-world success stories presented by Osman Yaa from Auto Smart Irrigation, Joseph Koroma, founder of Life Blood, Hawanatu Sesay from IoT Plant Monitoring and Aminata Kandeh from Agro Fish Farm inspired and motivated aspiring entrepreneurs, raising awareness about the OSVP competition and fostering a vibrant atmosphere of innovation and ambition.

According to Mason, the Orange Digital Centre reported an impressive 238 sign-ups for online courses on Coursera, with a commendable gender balance (128 males and 110 females). Additionally, 84 Coursera scholarships were awarded, further promoting inclusivity and accessibility in tech education.

Orange Sierra Leone's commitment to the nation's technological advancement was further solidified through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Ministry of Communication, Technology and Innovation. This MOU paves the way for the construction of an Orange Village at the proposed Tech City, promising a hub for innovation and collaboration, Mason averred.

She further stated that the Sierra Leone National Tech Summit has undoubtedly set the stage for a brighter technological future. With continued support from industry leaders like Orange Sierra Leone, the nation is poised to embrace innovation and empower its young entrepreneurs, driving economic growth and social progress, she concluded.