Africa's digital transformation is underway. In recent years, it has established itself as a real driver of economic and social development for each country.
As connectivity providers, telecom operators based on the continent have a role to play in democratizing access to digital technology.
At Adicomdays 2019, Stéphane Varret, Deputy CEO of Orange Côte d'Ivoire, highlighted the operator's role in the digital transformation of the country and, more broadly, in Africa.
To understand the various challenges related to digital technology in Côte d'Ivoire, the Orange Group launched the Digital Society Forum, a collaborative platform designed as a framework for discussion and reflection on major issues related to the development of digital technology and new technologies. The first edition was held in 2018 in Abidjan and highlighted courses of action and broad guidelines for the future.
Orange Fab, the local startup incubator
To support the entrepreneurial ecosystem and local startups, the Orange Group has been developing the "Orange Fab" program since 2014, a startup accelerator that puts its expertise at the service of local project leaders. By supporting these startups, the group aims to create drivers of innovation and growth in Côte d'Ivoire.
Orange Digital Academy, responding to training challenges
Training in digital professions is a real challenge for African countries. There is a considerable gap between the expectations of companies undergoing transformation and the skills available locally. To address this challenge, in January Orange launched the Orange Digital Academy, dedicated to coding and training in digital professions, offering a six-month training program to develop skills in the fields of digital technology and innovation.
A digital revolution with women
To help empower Ivorian women, Orange has also set up five "digital houses" across the country to help women become more independent. These digital houses, which are part of a project led by the Orange Foundation, provide support to women entrepreneurs in developing their projects. Through training workshops on topics such as literacy, financial education, and an introduction to new technologies, Orange aims to promote the professional integration of women.
Finally, to promote the growing number of initiatives on the continent, Orange organizes the Social Entrepreneur Award in Côte d'Ivoire and other African countries every year. This award, organized in the form of a competition, recognizes the best innovative and responsible business project. Registration for the 9th edition of the competition is open until May 30.