The auditorium at the University of Makeni’s Fatima Campus was on Saturday, 5 July 2025 filled with energy and anticipation as Alfie Barrie, Public Relations Officer for Orange Sierra Leone, captivated students and faculty at the Computer Science Department’s Dinner & Tech Expo with a compelling keynote address on the role of youth in driving technology and innovation in Sierra Leone.
Delivering his remarks on behalf of Orange SL’s CEO, Sekou Amadou Bah, who was absent due to international engagements, Alfie Barrie began with warm greetings and a message of encouragement. “He sends his warmest regards,” Alfie Barrie said, reading from a prepared note. “And he’s asked me to step into a very big shoe.”
Speaking on the theme “Youth in Technology, Innovation and Digital Transformation in Sierra Leone,” Alfie Barrie praised the dynamic energy, creativity and potential of Sierra Leone’s young population, stating that they are no longer just consumers of technology, but emerging leaders and creators in the digital space.
“In Sierra Leone, we’re not waiting to catch up; we are already sprinting forward,” he declared, citing examples of young innovators across the country. From coding clubs and solar-powered classrooms to digital tools supporting agriculture and e-learning for girls, he highlighted a growing movement of grassroots technology-driven solutions tackling national challenges.
Alfie Barrie underscored the importance of resilience and collaboration in navigating the tech world. “There will be setbacks,” he cautioned, “but we are the most connected, most creative generation this country has ever seen.” He urged for a collective effort involving Government, the private sector, academia and civil society to invest in youth as active drivers of progress. “We don’t just deserve a seat at the table; we are ready to build it.”
Showcasing Orange Sierra Leone’s commitment to youth empowerment, Alfie Barrie outlined key initiatives being spearheaded by the telecom giant:
- National Connectivity Expansion: Rolling out high-speed internet infrastructure to underserved areas.
- Orange Digital Centre (ODC): Located in Freetown with affiliated ODC Clubs on campuses like UNIMAK, offering training in coding, digital literacy and life skills. Over 3,000 youths have benefited so far, with 40% being young women, many of whom have secured employment post-training.
- Fab Lab: A hands-on innovation lab where students can prototype and test socially impactful solutions.
- Orange Fab: A startup acceleration platform that connects local innovators to corporate mentors and international investors.
“We don’t see ourselves as just a telco,” Alfie Barrie said, “we’re partners in digital transformation; unlocking potential, bridging the digital divide and ensuring technology serves everyone.”
His address concluded with an impassioned message to the students: “You are not just the future; you are the now. The builders, thinkers and creators who will shape Sierra Leone.” He called on all stakeholders to invest not just in technology, but in the bold ideas and fearless hearts of the country’s youth.
The speech drew resounding applause and left many students visibly inspired, reinforcing the belief that Sierra Leone’s digital future is already being built by its young, determined innovators.
