Orange Sierra Leone Takes Lead in CSR with Landmark Achievements in 2023

By Foday Moriba, Intern,

Public Relations Unit, Orange Sierra Leone✍️

Orange Sierra Leone has released its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Report for 2023, showcasing the company's dedication to transparency, sustainable practices, and ethical operations. The report outlines Orange Sierra Leone's contributions to environmental sustainability, social responsibility, and economic development, emphasizing its broader commitment to society beyond profit-making.

Sekou Amadou Bah, CEO Orange Sierra Leone, in his message, underscored the company's mission to positively impact Sierra Leoneans' daily lives through responsible digital solutions. "At Orange, our success is measured not just by financial performance but by the positive difference we make in society and the environment," he stated. Orange Sierra Leone has integrated environmental and social concerns into its operations, with a focus on sustainability, in alignment with the Orange Group's global goal to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2040.

The CSR report highlights significant progress in reducing the company’s carbon footprint through energy-efficient measures. In 2023, 72% of Orange Sierra Leone's sites were powered by solar energy, contributing to the company’s goal of solarizing its operations. Additionally, the company planted 3,000 trees at the Mortomeh Mudslide site as part of its environmental action plan.

On the social front, Orange Sierra Leone has continued its support for vulnerable communities, donating food supplies to disaster victims and launching the "Mi Farm Padi" initiative to support local farmers. In the area of education, the company donated digital school kits to primary schools and trained over 1,800 youths in digital skills, with a 23% job insertion rate.

Orange Sierra Leone's focus on gender equality saw the establishment of three Women Digital Centers in Freetown, Makeni, and Kenema, providing training for over 1,000 women. In partnership with STEM Women, the "TekGal" project was launched to mentor and support young women pursuing tech careers.

The company also made strides in health initiatives, particularly in reducing maternal mortality. Partnering with ICAP and the Mama Pikin Foundation, Orange provided multi-screening facilities for pregnant women and children, linking 296 women to antenatal clinics. Additionally, the company launched awareness campaigns for breast cancer and autism, reaching thousands of Sierra Leoneans.

Orange Sierra Leone remains one of the top employers in the country, creating over 217 direct jobs and supporting 52,000 indirect employment opportunities. The company also contributed to digital inclusion through the Orange Digital Center, which trained 1,809 youths in 2023. Orange's efforts to foster entrepreneurship were highlighted by its annual OSVP competition, where young innovators received funding and mentorship to expand their businesses.

As Orange Sierra Leone continues to align its operations with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the company reaffirms its commitment to building a sustainable future for Sierra Leone. CEO Sekou Amadou Bah concluded, "We are deeply committed to evolving our CSR approach, working collaboratively with our stakeholders to make a meaningful and lasting impact on society and the environment."

With ongoing initiatives in clean energy, education, healthcare, and entrepreneurship, Orange Sierra Leone is paving the way for responsible business practices and sustainable growth in the region.