Orange Botswana hosts inaugural Orange Digital Center Graduation

. 150 young Batswana awarded qualifications in digital technology and entrepreneurship.

. Youth from Gaborone and surrounding areas empowered with digital and entrepreneurship skills to foster greater  digital inclusion

Orange Botswana is excited to award 150 young Batswana with diplomas in digital technology and entrepreneurship through the Orange Digital Centre. In its continued commitment towards championing innovation and technology for Botswana’s socio-economic progress, the Orange Digital Centre (ODC) the Orange Botswana Foundation, awarded 150 youth with qualifications in digital technology and entrepreneurship at its Inaugural ODC graduation ceremony on the 29^th of June 2023 at the ODC headquarters located in GIFC, Gaborone.   

Said His Worship The Mayor of Gaborone, Mr. Austin Abraham, “Today, as we witness the graduation of these exceptional individuals, we must acknowledge the immense potential they hold. They are not just graduates; they are the architects of our digital future. They have the skills, knowledge, and passion to drive innovation, create disruptive technologies, and solve the complex challenges facing our country and our society.”

The ODC was officially opened to the public by His Honour, the Vice-President of Botswana, Slumber Tsogwane in November 2022. The center is purposed to empower the youth with digital innovation and entrepreneurial skills. Furthermore, it provides training in computer-aided design, programming, and manufacturing, as well as providing employability skills and entrepreneurship to youth for free.

Said Director of Legal Affairs and Corporate Affairs, Ms Lepata Mafa-Nthomola, “The first-ever graduation ceremony at the Orange Digital Centre is a testament to our commitment to fostering digital inclusion and technological advancement in Botswana. We are immensely proud of the students who have successfully completed their programs in coding, digital embroidery, and digital manufacturing. Their achievements demonstrate the transformative power of education and the incredible potential that lies within our local talent.”

Orange Digital Centres provide resources and training facilities for people of all ages to learn digital and entrepreneurial skills. Catering to a wide range of services, including coaching for small businesses and coding instruction. Through working in partnership with various stakeholders including ministries, Non-Profit entities, and businesses to, strengthen young people’s employability and encourage innovation.

“Technology has become an indispensable force driving socio-economic progress. It has the potential to transform industries, empower individuals and propel nations forward. Recognising this immense potential, the Orange Botswana Foundation has positioned itself as a champion for technology, spearheading initiatives that pave the way for the digital future in Botswana” concluded Lepata.

The ODC’s facilities are free and available to everyone, and support learning based on actual projects. There are digital technology training programmes accessible for students, job seekers, and young people with or without credentials. Orange Digital Centers. The work of the ODC is evidence of Orange Botswana’s constant dedication to reducing access to digital technology as a form of social exclusion.