Orange PRO Thrills UNIMAK Students at Tech Expo
Alfie Barrie, Public Relations Officer for Orange Sierra Leone, addressed a packed hall at the Computer Science Department’s Dinner & Tech Expo held at the Fatima Campus, urging confidence in Sierra Leone’s youth as digital innovators.
Opening with warm greetings to the faculty, distinguished guests, and students, Mr Barrie delivered remarks on behalf of CEO Sekou Amadou Bah, who was unable to attend due to international commitments. “He sends his warmest regards,” Mr Barrie read. “And he’s asked me to step into a very big shoe.”
Under the theme “Youth in Technology, Innovation and Digital Transformation in Sierra Leone,” Mr Barrie praised the “resilience, talent and burning curiosity” of the nation’s young people, highlighting their evolution from passive users to active creators in the fast‑changing global tech landscape.
“In Sierra Leone, we’re not waiting to catch up we are already sprinting forward,” he remarked, pointing to tech activity across the nation from coding clubs to solar‑powered classrooms. He celebrated local innovators who are developing rainfall‑tracking tools for farmers, e‑learning platforms for girls, and connectivity solutions for underserved communities.
Mr Barrie cautioned against underestimating the journey ahead: “There will be setbacks… but we are the most connected, most creative generation this country has ever seen.” He urged collaboration across government, industry, corporates, and the public to empower youth. “We don’t just deserve a seat at the table; we are ready to build it.”
Detailing Orange SL’s investment in talent and infrastructure, he spoke of:
- Nationwide expansion of connectivity to deliver seamless internet access.
- The Orange Digital Centre in Freetown and university‑based ODC Clubs such as at UNIMAK offering coding, ICT, life‑skills and app‑development training. These initiatives have reached over 3,000 young people, 40% of whom are women, with job placements following program completion.
- The Fab Lab, designed to support students in prototyping socially impactful concepts.
- Orange Fab, a platform enabling innovators to pitch projects and network with corporate and international funders.
“We don’t see ourselves as just a telco,” he emphasized, “we’re partners in digital transformation—unlocking potential, bridging the digital divide, and ensuring tech works for all.”
In a passionate call to action, Mr Barrie encouraged students: “You are not just the future, you are the now. You are the builders, thinkers, and creators who will shape Sierra Leone.”
He concluded by urging collective investment in youth talent “not just in gadgets, but fearless hearts and bold ideas” to build a nation connected not only by fiber optics, but by vision and innovation.
©Foday Moriba Conteh