In Africa, there is still a shortage of qualified workforce for the continent’s digital ambitions. Hence the importance of actions like training and youth support which Orange is offering across the continent.

Last Wednesday, telecom operator Orange officially inaugurated its Digital Center in Conakry, Guinea. The tech infrastructure is the result of a collaboration between the operator and the German development cooperation agency GIZ. It will allow young graduates and non-graduates to be trained in digital technology, to be incubated, free of charge, and to become self-employed. They can also take part in accelerator programs.  

According to Ousmane Boly Traoré, general manager of Orange Guinea, this new digital center will allow young people to be not only competitive in the job market but also to find the resources necessary to train in new technologies, embark on entrepreneurship and create jobs.

The center spans over 600 square meters. It hosts four of Orange group’s strategic programs, namely a Coding School, the digital manufacturing workshop FabLab Solidaire, the accelerator Orange Fab, and the investment fund Orange Ventures Middle East and Africa.

The programs are free for everyone. Young people will receive training (90% hands-on training) while project leaders will receive support, including acceleration and investment.

Over the past few years, Guinea has taken action to develop its population’s digital skills. Last September, the Minister of Technical Education and Vocational Training, Alpha Bacar Barry, unveiled the government's plan to transform the national telecom academy into a National Digital School. Orange’s initiative enriches such actions and offers the youth more opportunities to get digital training and get the skills needed to let the country benefit from the digital economy. 

Orange Digital Guinea is the thirteen similar infrastructures launched by Orange in the Middle East and Africa. It is in line with Orange's approach to digital inclusion. According to  Frank Lütje, chargé d'affaires of the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany in the Republic of Guinea, it aims to strengthen access to the labor market as well as entrepreneurship to help the youth fully contribute to a better future for their generation and Guinea as a whole.  

Samira Njoya