A ministerial visit to Orange Botswana’s data centre and digital training hub focuses on infrastructure, skills development and innovation.
The Minister of Communications and Innovation David Tshere has visited Orange Botswana’s Data Centre and Orange Digital Centre (ODC) to discuss collaboration on the country’s digital transformation agenda.
The visit brought together ministry officials and Orange Botswana executives to examine the company’s digital infrastructure and programmes supporting skills development and entrepreneurship.
INFRASTRUCTURE AND DIGITAL ACCESS
At the data centre, Acting Chief Executive Officer Gobe Mbayi welcomed the delegation, while Data Centre Manager Tshepo Mongalo outlined the facility’s role in supporting connectivity, business continuity and digital services for individuals, businesses and public institutions.
At the ODC, Director of People and Social Impact Modiri Nlanda presented the Orange Foundation’s digital inclusion programmes, which reached more than 9,400 people through 70 programmes this year, with women accounting for 57 percent of participants.
TRAINING AND INNOVATION
ODC Manager Obakeng Kokwe outlined the centre’s programmes, including the Coding School, FabLab for prototyping and fabrication, and Orange Fab, which supports early-stage startups. The centre offers free training and support to young people, entrepreneurs and underserved communities.
Tshere also heard about the Orange Summer Challenge and Orange Social Venture Prize, and met beneficiaries to discuss their experiences. A digital embroidery project completed by trainees in partnership with Tlokweng Brigade was also presented.
POTENTIAL FOR COLLABORATION
Tshere said the ministry could support the centre’s work through partnerships, referring to the National Research and Innovation Council and the country’s technology clusters as areas for potential cooperation.
“Partnership is how we reach further. We see room to do more with the ecosystem, from schools to startups, and we welcome the Ministry’s guidance on where to begin,” Mbayi said.
Nlanda said the centre aimed to link digital infrastructure with practical skills and economic opportunities.
“Through the Orange Foundation we will keep investing in digital inclusion, and we welcome the chance to work with government to extend this reach across the country in support of the national digital transformation agenda.”
Post Views: 74