Freetown: The Ministry of Technical and Higher Education (MTHE) has reinforced its strategic partnership with Orange Sierra Leone during a significant high-level meeting. The discussions centered on expanding digital skills training, boosting technological capacity in education, and advancing national human capital development goals.
According to Sierra Leone News Agency, Permanent Secretary Mr. Mohamed Sheick Kargbo chaired the meeting and welcomed the delegation, emphasizing the timely importance of this enhanced collaboration. He pointed out that a closer partnership with Orange could significantly improve the integration of digital tools across technical and higher education institutions, reaffirming the Ministry's commitment to transformational national development alliances.
Minister Dr. Haja Ramatulai Wurie recognized Orange as an essential private-sector partner, noting that its focus on human capital development aligns with Sierra Leone's national vision. She highlighted the government's prioritization of education, building on flagship initiatives from the President's first term and continuing into the second. Dr. Wurie praised Orange's substantial financial and technical support across all education sectors, including basic, senior secondary, and tertiary.
The Minister specifically commended Orange's Women's Digital Centers for empowering women, including those without formal education, with entrepreneurial and digital skills. She also noted the 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, welcoming the CEO warmly 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 establishment in 2018, describing it as the 'finishing house' of Sierra Leone's education system. She emphasized 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 experience in digital transformation, previous leadership roles at Orange, and MIT MBA. Young noted Orange's nine-year presence in Sierra Leone, reaffirming the company's dedication to supporting education through its digital ecosystem, and applauded MTHE's leadership in human capital development.
CEO Aicha Toure thanked MTHE for the warm reception and reiterated 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.