• In recent years, Orange has looked to launch more Digital Centers across the Middle East and Africa region.
• To date it has launched 12 in the region, with the latest one arriving in Botswana. 
• The Center will serve has a one-stop-shop for the development of digital skills and innovation.

Orange has announced that it has officially opened an Orange Digital Center in Botswana. This is the 12th such offering that the telecommunications firm has rolled out across the Middle East and Africa region.

The Center will serve as a one-stop-shop entirely dedicated to the development of digital skills and innovation. It will also host some of the highest political and administrative authorities from Botswana. Its arrival follows in the footsteps of Tunisia, Senegal, Ethiopia, Mali, Ivory Coast, Cameroon, Egypt, Jordan, Madagascar, Morocco and Liberia.

“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 Middle East and Africa, the investment fund of Orange Group,” explains the company regarding the function of the new facility.

“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,” it adds in a press release sent to Hypertext.

Further highlighting the purpose of the facility, Orange notes that it is completely operational and is fully functional to host several digital training and events. Orange Botswana has partnered with local universities too, and will train students for free and rollout Orange Digital Center Clubs, as an extension of the Orange Digital Center within some tertiary institutions in the regions.

“I am honoured to be part of the launch of our 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 by 2023,” points out Jerome HENIQUE, CEO of Orange Middle East and Africa, of the Center’s arrival.

“The objective is to democratize access to digital technology for young people – with or without qualifications. We want to provide them with the latest technological skills to strengthen their employability and prepare them for the jobs of tomorrow,” he concludes.