Orange is officially opening an “Orange Digital Center” in Botswana, a digital Ecosystem
entirely dedicated to the development of digital skills and innovation, attended by the highest
political and administrative authorities from Botswana, members of Orange Botswana board and
Board members of Orange Middle East and Africa.
Following in the footsteps of Tunisia, Senegal, Ethiopia, Mali, Ivory Coast, Cameroon, Egypt,
Jordan, Madagascar, Morocco, and Liberia, it is in Botswana, that this 12th Orange Digital
Center is inaugurated. Spread over 390 sq. m, it brings together four strategic programs of the
Orange group, namely, a coding school, a solidarity FabLab – one of the Orange Foundation’s
digital manufacturing workshops, and an Orange Fab start-up accelerator, supported by Orange
Ventures Africa, the investment fund.
All the programs are provided free-of charge and open to everyone. They range from digital
training for young people, 90% of which are practical, guidance for project bearers, start-up
acceleration, and investment in these. Working as a network, the Orange Digital Centers allow
experiences and expertise to be shared between countries and offer a simple and inclusive
approach to improve young people’s employability, encourage innovative entrepreneurship and
promote the local digital ecosystem.
Officially opened today, the Orange Digital Center in Botswana is completely operational and is
fully functional and capable to begin training sessions and digital events. In addition, Orange
Botswana will be seeking out partnerships with some universities to establish Orange Digital
Center Clubs, extensions of the coding school within the universities in the region. Thus, it will
complement the education system to give as many people as possible access to new technologies
and support them in using these technologies to their full extent. Orange is committed to
fulfilling its vision, which is to foster youth employability while supporting sustainable growth
and the country’s digital transformation agenda. The programme is also built to advance gender
equality and inclusion by promoting access for women and girls to ICT jobs.
Through digital technology, this programme focuses on the following sustainable development
goals in line with the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development: (SDG 4)
quality education, (SDG 5) gender equality, (SDG 8) decent work and economic growth, (SDG
9) industry, innovation, and infrastructure, (SDG 10) reduced inequalities and (SDG 17)
partnerships for goals.
Jerome HENIQUE, CEO of Orange Middle East and Africa, says: “I am honoured to have been
part of the launch of the 12th Orange Digital Center today in Botswana, which is part of a
network of 32 Orange Digital Centers that will be deployed not only, in Africa and the Middle
East, but also in Europe. The objective is to democratize access to digital technology to young
people – with or without qualifications – giving them access to the latest technological skills to
strengthen their employability and prepare them for the jobs of tomorrow.” Nene MAIGA, CEO
of Orange Botswana says: “At Orange Botswana, we are committed to digital equality. We
recognize this means bold actions and big investment to change the current narrative and status
quo. That is why we have made the commitment to leverage the Orange Digital Center to meet
Botswana’s needs, to buttress existing efforts to address the pressing challenges of economic
inequality which is often perpetuated by a lack of digital inclusion. The onus is on us all to wield
positive progress, and our resolve as Orange Botswana is firm. We can and will help promote
sustainable progress for all. ”
His Honour Slumber Tsogwane, The Vice President of the Republic of Botswana, says As we
continue this journey to bridge Digital Divide with the support of our strategic partner, Orange
Botswana, we are cognizant of our unwavering commitment to improved efficiency,
productivity, economic growth and the well-being of society. Government remains committed to
strengthening partnership with the private sector to bring about community development.
Government is equally appreciative of unflinching support of our cooperating partners like
Orange Botswana in the overall development of our country in various areas of human endeavor.
To this end, Orange Botswana’s act of generosity is worthy of our commendation and emulation
as a nation.,”