Orange expands digital reach with new innovation centre in Guinea-Bissau

Orange, the pan-African telecommunications operator, has unveiled its newest Orange Digital Center (ODC) in Guinea-Bissau. The new facility is part of Orange’s broader initiative to develop digital skills, promote innovation and support local entrepreneurship across Africa.

ODC in Guinea-Bissau is designed as a comprehensive ecosystem. It offers a range of free programs aimed at developing digital competences among young people. The main goal of the center is to increase employability and nurture local entrepreneurial talent.

The ODC houses a variety of facilities in one location. These include a coding school for hands-on digital training, the “FabLab Solidaire” for digital manufacturing and prototyping, and the startup accelerator “Orange Fab.” The center also benefits from support from Orange Ventures Africa, the group’s investment fund dedicated to supporting promising startups.

Brelotte Ba, Deputy CEO of Orange Middle East and Africa, highlighted the transformative potential of the centre. He described it as more than just a technology hub, but a catalyst for Guinea-Bissau’s digital future. Ba expressed hope that by providing free access to cutting-edge resources, the ODC will inspire a new generation of creators and leaders.

Sekou Dramé, CEO of Sonatel and Chairman of the Board of Orange Bissau, highlighted the importance of the launch of the ODC. He presented it as a key step in Sonatel Group’s commitment to supporting innovation and digital inclusion in Guinea-Bissau. Orange Bissau operates as a subsidiary of Sonatel Group, which is part of the larger Orange Group.

Thérèse Nogoye Tounkara, CEO of Orange Guinea Bissau, highlighted the role of digital transformation in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. She highlighted the significant impact such initiatives can generate.

Guinea-Bissau ODC is part of a growing network of 26 similar centres across Africa, the Middle East and Europe. These centres aim to support startups throughout their life cycle, with the aim of stimulating regional entrepreneurship and innovation.

Orange’s commitment to expanding its digital footprint in Africa extends beyond the ODC network. In May 2024, Orange Ventures partnered with Digital Africa to increase investment in technology startups in Africa and the Middle East through the Fuzé program.

The collaboration follows an earlier joint initiative in April. Orange, the European Union and Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) launched the “DigiGreen & Agri” project in Ivory Coast, which aims to promote digital transformation in the country’s agricultural sector.

These initiatives reflect Orange’s strategic focus on using digital technology to drive economic growth and social development across Africa. By providing resources, training and investment opportunities, Orange is positioning itself as a key player in the continent’s digital transformation.

The establishment of ODC in Guinea-Bissau is another step in Orange’s ongoing efforts to bridge the digital divide in Africa, demonstrating the company’s commitment to promoting local talent and supporting the development of a vibrant digital ecosystem across the continent.

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