Orange Sierra Leone has uncovered a significant case of internal fraud within its sales and distribution network, resulting in substantial revenue losses.
The discovery was made during a recent internal audit, revealing fraudulent activities allegedly carried out by employees.
The company, known for its strict anti-fraud policies, has expressed deep concern over the breach of trust. Orange Sierra Leone reiterated its unwavering commitment to maintaining integrity in all operations and enforcing a zero-tolerance policy against fraud and corruption.
Speaking on the matter, the company’s Public Relations Officer, Mr. Alfie Barrie, assured stakeholders that a full investigation is underway.
“Our focus remains on ensuring a thorough investigation into this matter. The individuals responsible will be held fully accountable for their actions,” Mr. Barrie stated.
He also emphasized that the situation highlights the effectiveness of the company’s internal controls and anti-fraud mechanisms.
“This incident underscores the strength of our robust internal controls and anti-fraud systems. Our commitment to ethical values and our zero-tolerance approach to fraud and corruption guide all of our actions,” he added.
In response to the findings, Orange Sierra Leone has implemented additional measures to tighten security across its sales operations, preventing further unauthorized activities.
“This situation only reinforces our determination to uphold the highest standards of integrity,” Mr. Barrie continued. “Our ethical values remain at the core of everything we do. We are confident that our proactive anti-fraud measures will continue to protect the interests of all our stakeholders moving forward.”
The telecommunications giant reassured its customers, partners, and stakeholders that it is taking the matter seriously and remains committed to ethical conduct and corporate governance.
In a move to enhance digital education in Sierra Leone, Orange Foundation Sierra Leone, the non-profit arm of Orange Sierra Leone, donated Digital School Kits to two primary schools St. Theresa’s Police School in Bo District and Holy Family Primary School R.C Boys in Pujehun District, the alma mater of His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio. The donations were made on Monday, 10th February, and Tuesday, 11th February 2025, respectively.
Each school received cutting-edge equipment such as tablets, Raspberry Pi devices, laptops, Bluetooth speakers, projectors, screens, headsets, extension cables, power banks, and solar panels. These resources are tailored to enhance digital literacy, providing young pupils with access to digital tools that will revolutionize classroom learning and prepare them for a tech-driven future.
In her remarks at both schools, Finnah Mariama Stevens, Head of Orange Digital Centre, highlighted that the Orange Foundation has been actively involved in various humanitarian efforts, particularly in the education sector. She stated that the donation of digital school kits is a key initiative under the foundation’s education wing.
She emphasized the importance of technological tools in driving innovation and bridging the digital divide. She noted that the foundation has donated similar kits to various schools across the country, stressing that these resources are provided free of charge with the vision of ensuring that every child in Sierra Leone has access to the technological tools necessary for today’s digital world.
Finnah Mariama Stevens also underscored Orange Sierra Leone’s commitment to the government’s human capital development agenda, particularly its focus on empowering young girls through access to digital resources.
She urged the schools to utilize the donation effectively, emphasizing that with the right tools and skills, pupils in Sierra Leone can compete with their peers in other countries in the field of technology in the coming years.
Paramount Chief Prince Lappia Boima IV of Kakua Chiefdom, Bo District addressed residents, highlighting concerns about the frequent cutting of mobile operators’ fiber cables, which often leads to poor network connectivity across the country.
Reflecting on his school days, he noted that such digital learning facilities were unavailable to them at the time. He emphasized that today’s pupils are fortunate to be exposed to digital learning at an early age and commended Orange Sierra Leone for its generous donation.
The Paramount Chief urged parents to prioritize their children’s education, stressing that these donated school kits are meant to benefit the pupils, and if children do not attend school, these resources will go to waste.
John Abu, Resident Minister of the Southern Region, has expressed appreciation to Orange Foundation Sierra Leone for its generous donation of Digital School Kits, describing it as a gateway to digital learning. He encouraged pupils to take full advantage of the opportunity, noting that such resources were unavailable during his own school days.
“As a responsible company, Orange has proven that it is not just focused on making profits but also committed to giving back to society through meaningful investments in education,” he stated.
He emphasized that the initiative aligns with President Bio’s Human Capital Development agenda, which is crucial to transforming the country. He further noted that the donation comes at a critical time when the world is rapidly advancing in digital technology, stressing that Sierra Leone must not be left behind in this revolution.
The Minister concluded by urging the school administration to ensure that the donated digital tools are effectively utilized so that pupils can fully benefit from the enhanced learning experience.
Addressing the gathering in Bo, Sekou Amadou Bah, CEO of Orange Sierra Leone underscored the transformative potential of the Digital School Kits in promoting education and empowering pupils through technology.
“These kits are electronic libraries designed to provide educational content to schools with limited or no internet access,” he noted. “Currently, 16 countries, including Sierra Leone, have benefited from this program, with 1,400 schools and 500,000 pupils gaining access to digital education tools.”
Over the past three years, Orange Sierra Leone has donated 35 Digital School Kits, impacting over 10,000 pupils nationwide. The initiative also offers schools the opportunity to participate in the prestigious Wiki Challenge, an international competition organized by Orange Group.
Bah urged pupils and teachers to handle the equipment with care and fully utilize them to enhance learning. “With technology, we can expand our horizons and enable new ways of easy learning. These tools are not just about access but about empowering young minds to explore and innovate,” he stated.
He reaffirmed Orange Sierra Leone’s commitment to supporting the government’s human capital development agenda through initiatives that align with President Julius Maada Bio’s vision for the country.
Alusine Senessie, School Assistance Officer for MBSSE in Bo District, speaking on behalf of the Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education (MBSSE), applauded Orange Sierra Leone for complementing the ministry’s efforts in enhancing digital learning for pupils.
He assured the ministry’s commitment to ensuring the sustainability of the donated kits in various schools. He emphasized that technology is the future, and these digital resources will not only benefit pupils but also support teachers in lesson planning and delivery, ultimately improving learning outcomes in schools.
Hawa Bay Jusu, Head teacher of Holy Family Primary School R.C Boys, expressed deep appreciation for the donation of Digital School Kits by Orange Foundation Sierra Leone, describing it as a historic milestone for the school since its establishment in 1912, emphasized that the arrival of the digital kits marks a turning point in the school’s pursuit of technological advancement.
“We are eager to explore these wonderful digital tools in our school, and our vision has finally come true. This donation has brought us honor, respect, and hope,” she stated.
The Head Teacher assured Orange Foundation and all stakeholders that the Digital School Kits which include tablets, laptops, Raspberry Pi devices, projectors, power banks, and other essential tools would be used for their intended purpose to enhance digital literacy among pupils.
Additionally, she extended gratitude to Her Excellency, Dr. Fatima Maada Bio, First Lady of Sierra Leone, for selecting the school as a beneficiary in recognition of it being the alma mater of His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio.
She called on the government and stakeholders to address these concerns to create a safer learning environment for pupils.
Both events concluded with the formal handover of the Digital School Kits to the school administration, symbolizing a new chapter in the pupils’ education journey.
In January 2025, Orange Sierra Leone, received the official certificate as TOP EMPLOYER in Sierra Leone at the prestigious ceremony held in the United Kingdom celebrating outstanding employers around the world who have demonstrated excellence in workplace practices and employee engagement.
Top Employers Institute is the global authority on recognizing excellence in People Practices and help to accelerate these practices to enrich the world of work. Through the Top Employers Institute Certification Program, participating companies can be validated, certified, and recognized as an employer of choice.
The event brought together over 500 business leaders from international companies, HR professionals, and local dignitaries to recognize companies that prioritize their workforce’s well-being and development.
The Top Employer Certification is awarded to organizations that excel in areas such as employee satisfaction, diversity and inclusion, career development opportunities, and workplace culture.
The Orange Seirra Leone Human Resource Director, Madam Agnes Songa expressed gratitude, stating, “This recognition reflects our dedication as a company to fostering a supportive and dynamic workplace where our employees can thrive.”
At the ceremony, Agnes Songa joined other HR leaders in celebrating the hard work and dedication that companies put into creating inclusive, innovative, and supportive workplaces and she highlighted during her speech that “it is important to note that OSL is HR practices are based on global standard in many categories”.
This recognition highlights companies that demonstrate outstanding practices in employee engagement, development, and overall work environment, making it a significant achievement for Orange Sierra Leone.
As employers continue to navigate the challenges of the modern workplace, the Top Employer Certificate Award Ceremony reinforces Orange Sierra Leone’s commitment to creating positive work environments that benefit both employees and to continue fostering excellent work culture.
On Monday, January 27, 2025, the First Lady of the Republic of Sierra Leone, Dr. Fatima Maada Bio, officially launched Orange Foundation Sierra Leone’s Orange Digital School Kits initiative.
The event, held at the Ansarul Islamic Primary School for Girls in Kono District her alma mater was a significant step toward enhancing the digital learning experience for young pupils in Sierra Leone.
Dr. Fatima Maada Bio, alongside Orange Sierra Leone CEO Sekou Amadou Bah, ceremoniously handed over a comprehensive set of digital school kits to the school. This donation aims to foster technological literacy and equip pupils with critical skills to thrive in a digital era.
The ceremony, hosted in the school hall, attracted high-profile attendees, including the Mayor of Koidu City, Komba Mathew Sam; Orange Sierra Leone General Secretary Danetta Younge; Head of Orange Digital Centre Finnah Mariama Stevens; as well as school authorities, community stakeholders, and local residents.
The donated digital kits comprised cutting-edge tools such as tablets, Raspberry Pi devices, laptops, Bluetooth speakers, projectors, screens, headsets, extension cables, power banks, and solar panels. These resources are tailored to enhance digital literacy, providing students with access to a tech-driven education.
In her remarks, Finnah Mariama Stevens emphasized the need for technological tools to drive innovation and bridge the digital divide. “From Freetown to Bo, Kenema, Kailahun, Pujehun, and now Kono, the Orange Foundation is ensuring that every child in Sierra Leone has access to the technological tools essential for today’s world,” she said.
She underscored Orange Sierra Leone’s commitment to the government’s human capital development agenda and its focus on empowering young girls through access to digital resources.
Addressing the gathering, Sekou Amadou Bah, CEO of Orange Sierra Leone underscored the transformative potential of the Digital School Kits in promoting education and empowering pupils through technology.
“These kits are electronic libraries designed to provide educational content to schools with limited or no internet access,” he noted “Currently, 16 countries, including Sierra Leone, have benefited from this program, with 1,400 schools and 500,000 pupils gaining access to digital education tools.”
Over the past three years, Orange Sierra Leone has donated 35 Digital School Kits, impacting over 10,000 pupils nationwide. The initiative also offers schools the opportunity to participate in the prestigious Wiki Challenge, an international competition organized by Orange Group. Last year, a Sierra Leonean school, Dele Preparatory School, won a €5,000 prize for their article on “Krio Print Dress.”
Bah urged pupils and teachers to handle the equipment with care and fully utilize them to enhance learning. “With technology, we can expand our horizons and enable new ways of easy learning. These tools are not just about access but about empowering young minds to explore and innovate,” he stated.
He reaffirmed Orange Sierra Leone’s commitment to supporting the government’s human capital development agenda through initiatives that align with President Julius Maada Bio’s vision for the country.
His Worship, Mayor Komba Mathew Sam, expressed his gratitude to Orange Sierra Leone for selecting the Ansarul Islamic Primary School for Girls as a beneficiary of the initiative. He praised Orange Sierra Leone for bringing such innovative resources to his district and urged the school to utilize the digital kits to their fullest potential.
Reflecting on his own educational journey, Mayor Sam stated, “During my school days, I did not have the privilege of learning about computers until my college years. These young girls are fortunate to have this opportunity at such an early stage, and I hope they make the most of it.”
Headmistress Zainab Bah also commended the Orange Foundation for their generosity and expressed appreciation to Dr. Fatima Maada Bio for gracing the event. “We are committed to making the most of these resources to enhance our pupils’ learning experience and ensure their sustainability,” she assured.
In her keynote address, Dr. Fatima Maada Bio commended Orange Foundation Sierra Leone for its commitment to empowering education and emphasized the importance of equipping pupils with the skills necessary to thrive in the digital age. The initiative underscores the collaborative efforts to bridge the digital divide and promote educational development across the nation.
The First Lady of Sierra Leone, Dr. Fatima Maada Bio, expressed deep gratitude to her former school, crediting it for shaping her into the woman she is today. Dr. Bio highlighted the importance of technology in modern education, emphasizing that the digital kits would provide the pupils access to the tools needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving, tech-driven world.
Dr. Bio encouraged the pupils to aspire beyond societal expectations, urging them to embrace science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) courses to position themselves as leaders in Sierra Leone and beyond. She underscored the importance of breaking barriers, discouraging early marriages, and striving for careers in leadership and innovation.
She urged the school to make effective use of the digital kits, emphasizing the importance of embracing technology in an increasingly digital world. “Today, let us celebrate Orange. I want all the pupils here to stand up and say, ‘Thank you, Orange.’ We promise to make good use of this facility and this opportunity.
She also expressed her gratitude to Orange Sierra Leone for the digital school kits, praising their efforts to empower girls across the country. “May God bless Orange Sierra Leone, elevate them, and help them grow from strength to strength,” she concluded.
The event concluded with the formal handover of the Digital School Kits to the school administration, symbolizing a new chapter in the pupils’ education journey. This initiative is expected to inspire a brighter future through the integration of technology into learning, paving the way for innovation and progress in Sierra Leone.
The Chief Commercial Officer, Haffie Haffner and CEO of Orange Money David Mansaray, embarked on a four-day commercial tour covering Bo, Makeni, Kenema, Kabala, Kambia and Kono.
The aim of the tour was to strengthen stakeholder and customer relations through an open dialogue and to provide an opportunity to engage local stakeholders on Orange’s network modernization project.
The engagement commenced in Kono District, Eastern Region, with a courtesy visit to PC Tamba Amadu, the Town Chief of Koeyo Section.
Chief Amadu expressed gratitude for the visit and stated that the visit marks a significant moment on the journey towards Network development for his community.
The Chief commercial Officer, Haffie Haffner, stated that “Orange is committed to listen and address the needs of its customers and will ensure network availability for the People of Kono”.
In Makeni and Kabala Northern Region, Makeni’s Section Chief of Talent Town, Chief John Turay, welcomed the Orange delegation while urging the company to enhance communication on network-related issues. He acknowledged recent improvements in the network despite months of challenges and expressed hope for sustained progress.
In Kambia District, the Orange delegation met with Paramount Chief Bai Farama Tass N’gbak (IV), the town chief, and the District Council Chairman. The CEO of Orange Money, David S Mansaray stated the primary goal of the engagements was to get firsthand insights on Orange network performance and to understand how Orange can better serve the people of Kambia.
This tour represents Orange’s dedication towards strengthening stakeholder relations to address concerns of our customers and an opportunity for the company to connect with local communities.
The company has invested significantly in its network infrastructure to ensure network reliability while boosting mobile and data penetration across the Country.
Orange reassures its customers of its unwavering commitment to deliver quality network services that meet the needs of its customers.
Orange Money has officially launched its highly anticipated ‘Kotoku’ initiative.
The launching ceremony was held on Friday, 18th October 2024, at Orange’s office, Rawdon Street in Freetown.
The initiative aim to support and empower small businesses across Sierra Leone, and the launching was met with excitement, especially from market women who sang in unison, “Kotoku na wan word oh, oh yah, Kotoku na wan word oh, oh yah,” reflecting their enthusiasm for this new mobile money solution.
The ‘Kotoku’ product, named after the Krio word for “pocket,” is a mobile money service designed to enhance financial transactions for small business owners, particularly in the informal sector. It provides a secure, accessible, and user-friendly platform for traders to save, send, and receive money. This will help them better manage their finances, conduct payments, and grow their businesses.
In his remarks, Joseph Saffa Tengbeh, Head of Marketing, Strategy, and Partnership at Orange Money, explained that ‘Kotoku’ is tailored for small and medium-scale businesses. He noted that in the past, when customers wanted to pay via Orange Money, traders would often ask for payments to be made to their personal numbers, leading to additional costs, such as cash-out fees.
The ‘Kotoku’ initiative addresses these issues by creating a separate business wallet for traders, allowing them to manage both personal and business transactions on the same number. “With ‘Kotoku,’ business owners now have a designated business wallet. This system not only makes their transactions more professional but also eliminates the need for additional cash-out fees and even offers commissions on payments received,” Tengbeh stated.
He added that ‘Kotoku’ is not just for business owners but also caters to Keke riders, bike riders, taxi drivers, and other small-scale entrepreneurs. He encouraged small business owners to enroll in ‘Kotoku’ by dialing #144810# or registering with Orange Money field sales agents, who are providing free enrollment services. One of the key benefits of the initiative is that businesses do not need formal registration to qualify for the service, a departure from the previous merchant system.
Additionally, Tengbeh highlighted that ‘Kotoku’ users will not need separate passwords for their business wallet, as it will operate with the same credentials as their personal wallet.
He further emphasized the advantages of the initiative, noting that business owners who use ‘Kotoku’ will receive commissions on payments made through their wallet, enjoy free cash-outs, and be able to transfer funds to other ‘Kotoku’ wallets without incurring any charges. Traders using ‘Kotoku’ are also eligible for loans of up to NLE 5,000.
David Mansaray, Chief Executive Officer of Orange Money, stressed the significance of ‘Kotoku’ in empowering small businesses. “Small businesses are the backbone of Sierra Leone’s economy. With ‘Kotoku,’ we are ensuring that these businesses, many run by women, have access to modern financial services that will support their growth and sustainability,” Mansaray said.
Mansaray noted that ‘Kotoku’ is part of Orange Money’s broader strategy to empower businesses in a country where many small-scale traders lack access to formal banking services. He highlighted that ‘Kotoku’ users will benefit from commissions on transactions and assured business owners that payments made into their ‘Kotoku’ wallets are secure, with no possibility of payment reversals, unlike regular Orange Money accounts.
“Kotoku is built for Sierra Leone, and our goal is to help small business owners earn more and grow their enterprises. Join ‘Kotoku’ today, and remember, Orange Money is here to stay today, tomorrow, and forever. Orange Money Kotoku ‘tay go’,” Mansaray concluded.
The Chief Commercial Officer at Orange Sierra Leone, Haffie Haffner, described the launch as historic, marking the first time such an initiative has been introduced in Sierra Leone.
She commended the Orange Money team for their efforts in empowering small businesses and urged business owners to take full advantage of the opportunities presented by ‘Kotoku.’
Matty Kanu, Chairlady of the Vegetable Sellers Association, expressed her excitement about the potential benefits of ‘Kotoku.’ “This is the kind of support we need to grow our businesses. With ‘Kotoku,’ we can now save money, make payments to suppliers without leaving our shops, and even apply for loans without incurring extra charges,” she said.
She encouraged all small business owners to enroll in the ‘Kotoku’ wallet initiative, which she described as a significant boost to their enterprises.
The ‘Kotoku’ initiative is part of Orange Money’s ongoing commitment to leveraging technology to drive economic development and improve the quality of life for Sierra Leoneans. With the majority of the population dependent on small-scale businesses, ‘Kotoku’ offers an innovative solution to the financial challenges entrepreneurs face in accessing reliable services, ultimately empowering them to grow and thrive.
Orange Money has officially launched its highly anticipated ‘Kotoku’ initiative.
The launching ceremony was held on Friday, 18th October 2024, at Orange’s office, Rawdon Street in Freetown.
The initiative aim to support and empower small businesses across Sierra Leone, and the launching was met with excitement, especially from market women who sang in unison, “Kotoku na wan word oh, oh yah, Kotoku na wan word oh, oh yah,” reflecting their enthusiasm for this new mobile money solution.
The ‘Kotoku’ product, named after the Krio word for “pocket,” is a mobile money service designed to enhance financial transactions for small business owners, particularly in the informal sector. It provides a secure, accessible, and user-friendly platform for traders to save, send, and receive money. This will help them better manage their finances, conduct payments, and grow their businesses.
In his remarks, Joseph Saffa Tengbeh, Head of Marketing, Strategy, and Partnership at Orange Money, explained that ‘Kotoku’ is tailored for small and medium-scale businesses. He noted that in the past, when customers wanted to pay via Orange Money, traders would often ask for payments to be made to their personal numbers, leading to additional costs, such as cash-out fees.
The ‘Kotoku’ initiative addresses these issues by creating a separate business wallet for traders, allowing them to manage both personal and business transactions on the same number. “With ‘Kotoku,’ business owners now have a designated business wallet. This system not only makes their transactions more professional but also eliminates the need for additional cash-out fees and even offers commissions on payments received,” Tengbeh stated.
He added that ‘Kotoku’ is not just for business owners but also caters to Keke riders, bike riders, taxi drivers, and other small-scale entrepreneurs. He encouraged small business owners to enroll in ‘Kotoku’ by dialing #144810# or registering with Orange Money field sales agents, who are providing free enrollment services. One of the key benefits of the initiative is that businesses do not need formal registration to qualify for the service, a departure from the previous merchant system.
Additionally, Tengbeh highlighted that ‘Kotoku’ users will not need separate passwords for their business wallet, as it will operate with the same credentials as their personal wallet.
He further emphasized the advantages of the initiative, noting that business owners who use ‘Kotoku’ will receive commissions on payments made through their wallet, enjoy free cash-outs, and be able to transfer funds to other ‘Kotoku’ wallets without incurring any charges. Traders using ‘Kotoku’ are also eligible for loans of up to NLE 5,000.
David Mansaray, Chief Executive Officer of Orange Money, stressed the significance of ‘Kotoku’ in empowering small businesses. “Small businesses are the backbone of Sierra Leone’s economy. With ‘Kotoku,’ we are ensuring that these businesses, many run by women, have access to modern financial services that will support their growth and sustainability,” Mansaray said.
Mansaray noted that ‘Kotoku’ is part of Orange Money’s broader strategy to empower businesses in a country where many small-scale traders lack access to formal banking services. He highlighted that ‘Kotoku’ users will benefit from commissions on transactions and assured business owners that payments made into their ‘Kotoku’ wallets are secure, with no possibility of payment reversals, unlike regular Orange Money accounts.
“Kotoku is built for Sierra Leone, and our goal is to help small business owners earn more and grow their enterprises. Join ‘Kotoku’ today, and remember, Orange Money is here to stay today, tomorrow, and forever. Orange Money Kotoku ‘tay go’,” Mansaray concluded.
The Chief Commercial Officer at Orange Sierra Leone, Haffie Haffner, described the launch as historic, marking the first time such an initiative has been introduced in Sierra Leone.
She commended the Orange Money team for their efforts in empowering small businesses and urged business owners to take full advantage of the opportunities presented by ‘Kotoku.’
Matty Kanu, Chairlady of the Vegetable Sellers Association, expressed her excitement about the potential benefits of ‘Kotoku.’ “This is the kind of support we need to grow our businesses. With ‘Kotoku,’ we can now save money, make payments to suppliers without leaving our shops, and even apply for loans without incurring extra charges,” she said.
She encouraged all small business owners to enroll in the ‘Kotoku’ wallet initiative, which she described as a significant boost to their enterprises.
The ‘Kotoku’ initiative is part of Orange Money’s ongoing commitment to leveraging technology to drive economic development and improve the quality of life for Sierra Leoneans. With the majority of the population dependent on small-scale businesses, ‘Kotoku’ offers an innovative solution to the financial challenges entrepreneurs face in accessing reliable services, ultimately empowering them to grow and thrive.
In a significant move that reinforces its leadership in Sierra Leone’s telecommunications sector, Orange Sierra Leone officially launched its new brand logo and identity under the slogan, “Orange is Here,” on Monday, September 30, 2024.
This fresh identity, also translated into the local Krio as “Orange dae ya,” highlights the company’s unwavering commitment to being a reliable and ever-present partner to its customers. The unveiling event took place at Orange SL’s headquarters on Hill Station, drawing key stakeholders from across the country.
Philip Emeh, Orange SL’s Head of Communications, Brand, and Sponsorship, shed light on the importance of this rebranding effort. He emphasized the power of perception in shaping a company’s image and building trust with its customers. “Our brand signature and how we are perceived as a company are fundamental to our success,” Emeh stated. “When customers see us as caring, responsible, and bold, it strengthens our mission. These qualities are essential to meeting our goals and fulfilling our role as the top telecommunications provider in Sierra Leone.”
Adding to this, Alpha Bundu, the Customer Experience Director, expressed optimism about the company’s future and its ability to overcome challenges. He noted that the telecom giant is at a pivotal moment, where turning obstacles into opportunities is crucial for continued success. “We must embrace change if we want to continue progressing,” Bundu remarked. “Being caring means standing by our customers, especially in difficult times. Today’s event reaffirms our commitment to addressing the challenges they face, and we are investing in cutting-edge technology to ensure we remain Sierra Leone’s number one telecom provider.”
The high point of the event came when Orange Sierra Leone’s Chief Executive Officer, Sekou Amadou Bah, took the stage to formally introduce the company’s new brand tagline and signature: “Orange is here.”
“Dear valued customers, Orange is here!” the CEO proclaimed. “This new tagline embodies our three core values: care, responsibility, and boldness. We are committed to offering the best to our customers, keeping our promises, and driving innovation to open new opportunities.”
Bah assured the audience that Orange SL is dedicated to maintaining the highest standards of quality and reliability, with its teams working diligently to meet customer expectations. “Our promise to you remains unshaken,” he added, “as we continue to be transparent and nurture the confidence you have in us. ‘Orange is here’ is more than a tagline—it’s a commitment. ‘Orange dey ya!’”
In his address, Bah also acknowledged recent challenges faced by the company, but reassured customers and stakeholders that Orange SL remains steadfast in its mission to provide excellent service. “Despite the uncertainties, we are here to stay,” Bah affirmed. “Our new brand signature reflects our dedication to delivering more than just telecom services. We are committed to innovation that improves the lives of our customers, and ‘Orange is Here’ represents our unwavering dedication to keeping our promises.”
As the event drew to a close, Bah emphasized that Orange Sierra Leone’s future lies in constant improvement and collaboration. He stated that the new logo and brand identity are not merely cosmetic changes but reflect the company’s broader vision of growing alongside the needs of the nation and offering cutting-edge solutions for its customers.
With the launch of its new brand identity, Orange Sierra Leone is set to further cement its position as the country’s leading telecommunications provider. The company is poised to push the boundaries of innovation, ensuring that it continues to serve as a customer-centric, forward-thinking entity dedicated to the people of Sierra Leone.
As part of its annual Environmental Week celebrations, Orange Sierra Leone (Orange SL) kicked off a week-long series of activities on Monday, May 27, 2024, themed “The earth is all we have…let’s go green.”
The launch event, held at the company’s Hill Station Head Office, was attended by Orange SL’s management team, staff, the Honourable Minister of Environment and Climate Change Jiwoh Abdulai, and members of the Fort estate community.
Head of Corporate Social Responsibility, Mimi Mugo, announced that the celebrations would focus on natural resource management and would involve various activities designed to educate and empower individuals on the importance of environmental preservation. Throughout the week, there will be awareness sessions across different departments, aimed at both organizational and individual levels. A beach cleaning exercise, organized in partnership with the International Organization for Migration (IOM), will take place on Friday, demonstrating Orange SL’s commitment to environmental protection. Additionally, a special ceremony will commemorate the first anniversary of their tree planting site cleaning initiative.
Edward Sesay of Orange SL highlighted the detrimental effects of pollution, noting that many people, especially in Africa, are unaware of the damage their actions cause. He contrasted this with Western countries, where environmental harm is often a result of intentional developmental pursuits. Sesay warned of the dire consequences if environmental destruction continues unchecked, emphasizing the deadly impact of air pollution, which is often overlooked. He mentioned that countries like the UK have taken steps to combat air pollution, such as reducing the number of cars on the roads, and stressed the need for similar measures globally.
Sesay also pointed out the distinction between indoor and outdoor pollution, with indoor pollution being particularly hazardous due to confined spaces. He urged everyone to take proactive steps in protecting the environment, emphasizing that solutions to pollution are universal but that pollution itself varies by region.
Addressing the gathering, the Climate Change Officer emphasized the importance of this year’s theme, which serves as a reminder of the significant impact of our actions on the environment.
“It is crucial for us to recognize our collective responsibility to the environment, our well-being, and the well-being of future generations,” she said.
She highlighted their commitment to environmental sustainability, noting that in 2023, their renewable energy ratio was 20%, which has now increased to 72% of their sites being powered by solar energy. Additionally, they planted 3,000 trees at Mortormeh Community in Regent, where a mudslide occurred, to restore ecological balance.
She also disclosed that last year, Orange Company was recognized as the Carbon Zero Champion Mobile Company of the Year for its sustainable efforts to reduce environmental impact.
She concluded by stating that despite these achievements, there is still more work to be done, and they are stepping up their efforts and setting more ambitious environmental goals for the future.
CEO of Orange Sierra Leone, Sékou Amadou Bah, emphasized the importance of environmental protection, stating, “We need to protect the environment more than protecting ourselves because we need the environment more than the environment needs us.” He highlighted common environmental challenges such as climate change, pollution, and deforestation, noting that a small percentage of humanity is responsible for a significant portion of the damage. Bah called for a collective effort to reduce our carbon footprint by minimizing waste, utilizing renewable energy, supporting sustainable agriculture, and advocating for robust environmental policies.
Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Jiwoh Abdulai, commended Orange SL for supporting government efforts to raise environmental awareness. He stressed the importance of community engagement in addressing environmental issues, as local stakeholders are crucial in implementing effective strategies. Abdulai detailed the government’s initiatives, including policy implementation and community sensitization, aimed at mitigating harmful human activities. He praised Orange SL for their compliance with environmental regulations and underscored the importance of such events in promoting environmental awareness.
Orange Sierra Leone Digital Center is launching a free high-level certification training program in partnership with Coursera, the world leader in online learning.
This partnership aims to offer young people in Africa and the Middle East the opportunity to acquire essential skills in digital professions, free of charge and at their own pace.
The Orange Digital Center (ODC) network is driving digital inclusion for young people and entrepreneurs across Africa and the Middle East through its 16 centers. It is launching this initiative to provide young people in the region with key skills in essential areas such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, digital marketing, and entrepreneurship. These programs are designed to meet the needs of the ever-evolving job market, providing talented young people with the knowledge and skills they need to enter the job market, develop their careers, or encourage them to become digital entrepreneurs.
Orange Digital Centers are physical structures designed to be hubs of innovation and learning, free and open to all, providing a dynamic environment where young people can develop their skills, explore new technologies, and stimulate their creativity.
Equipped with the latest technologies, they support young people throughout the entire technological innovation and entrepreneurship value chain. This innovation ecosystem consists of several spaces that offer free learning programs: a Code School, a Solidarity FabLab, an ‘Orange Fab’ startup accelerator, and Orange Ventures Middle East and Africa, the Orange Group’s investment fund that invests in the most promising startups.
Asma Ennaifer, Executive Director CSR, Orange Digital Centers and Communication, Orange Africa and Middle East, says: “At Orange, we firmly believe that digital inclusion is the key to creating a fairer and more prosperous future for everyone. In partnership with Coursera and through the Orange Digital Centers, we are opening the doors of certification training to all our beneficiaries, offering educational and professional development opportunities to those who need them most. ”
You’ll find all the Orange SL Digital Center training courses on the Coursera platform here https://www.coursera.org/
Press Contacts:
Orange Sierra Leone: Mabel Mason, [email protected], + 232 76 450 189 Orange Middle East and Africa: Anita Oyono, [email protected], +33 6 75 02 03 79
