MTHE, Orange Sierra Leone Deepen Partnership on Digital Skills and Human Capital Development.

The Ministry of Technical and Higher Education (MTHE) strengthened strategic collaboration with Orange Sierra Leone during a high-level meeting. The Discussions focused on expanding digital skills training, enhancing technological capacity in education, and advancing national human capital development goals.

Chairing the meeting, Permanent Secretary Mr. Mohamed Sheick Kargbo welcomed the delegation, noting the timely importance of deepened collaboration. He noted that closer partnership with Orange would significantly improve digital tool integration across technical and higher education institutions, reaffirming the Ministry’s commitment to transformational national development alliances.

Minister Dr. Haja Ramatulai Wurie acknowledged Orange as a vital private-sector partner, whose focus on human capital development aligns directly with Sierra Leone’s national vision. She highlighted government prioritization of education, building on flagship initiatives from the President’s first term and continuing into the second. Dr. Wurie commended Orange’s substantial financial and technical support across all education sectors basic, senior secondary, and tertiary.

The Minister specifically praised Orange’s Women’s Digital Centers for empowering women, including those without formal education, with entrepreneurial and digital skills. She also noted Orange-supported innovation platforms for youth, where beneficiary-led initiatives show potential for institutional integration within MTHE. With the new CEO’s strong background in digital transformation, Dr. Wurie expressed confidence that the partnership would grow further, warmly welcoming the CEO to both the Ministry and Sierra Leone.

MTHE’s Deputy Chief Technical and Higher Education Officer, Sia Fasuluku, outlined the Ministry’s mandate since its 2018 establishment, describing it as the “finishing house” of Sierra Leone’s education system. She stressed technology’s growing role and expressed optimism that partnering with Orange would enhance global competitiveness through digital innovation.

Orange Sierra Leone General Secretary Danetta Young introduced new CEO Aicha Toure, highlighting her extensive digital transformation experience, prior Orange leadership roles, and MIT MBA. Young noted Orange’s nine-year presence in Sierra Leone, reaffirming that beyond telecommunications, the company remains dedicated to supporting education through its digital ecosystem, applauding MTHE’s leadership in human capital development.

CEO Aicha Toure thanked MTHE for the warm reception, reiterating Orange’s commitment to connectivity, financial inclusion, and education. She emphasized alignment with the Ministry’s national development role and pledged sustained partnership for the well-being of Sierra Leone’s people.

Also present were Deputy Minister Sarjoh Aziz-Kamara, Chief Technical and Higher Education Officer Dr. Josephus Brimah, and Student Secretary George A. Dambo.

Correspondent-Richard Williams

Ministry of Technical and Higher Education

Tel: +23203086143