By Foday Moriba Conteh
Orange Africa and Middle East (OMEA) has on Thursday July 18, 2024 unveiled its 2023 Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) report, titled “Seeds of Change,” highlighting the company’s deep commitment to the regions it serves. The report underscores OMEA’s dedication to ethical corporate governance, innovative practices and sustainable infrastructure.
Driven by a vision of responsible growth, OMEA leverages reliable infrastructure to develop value-creating technologies and services, all while adhering to a low-carbon and solar energy model. The company invests over one billion euros annually in these efforts, which support a wide array of social, digital, financial and energy inclusion initiatives across its 17-country footprint.
With 18,000 employees serving 149 million customers, OMEA’s services are integral to fostering inclusive development. The company’s initiatives offer millions of opportunities to young people, women and entrepreneurs through digital literacy programs, job training and startup support. This is exemplified by the more than one million beneficiaries of the Orange Digital Center programs, 604,000 students in digital schools and thousands of women assisted annually by the Orange Foundation’s Digital Centers.
OMEA’s commitment extends to local communities, contributing significantly to national GDPs and emphasizing environmental sustainability. The company’s subsidiaries engage in reforestation projects, improve living conditions and enhance access to healthcare, sports and cultural activities. In Sierra Leone, for example, 100 employees planted 3,000 trees over three hectares as part of a reforestation effort following a natural disaster in 2017. Additionally, their breast cancer awareness and screening program has benefited over 5,000 people, detecting 840 abnormalities and promoting early detection and treatment.
Jérôme Hénique, CEO of Orange Middle East and Africa, commented, “Seeds of Change reflects our long-term commitment to inclusive and sustainable development in Africa and the Middle East. We are grateful to our teams for their dedication and hard work, which have driven these remarkable results.”
Sokou Amadou Bah, CEO of Orange Sierra Leone, added, “Our corporate social responsibility is not a choice but a necessity. By embracing collective efforts, we not only fulfill our obligations but also create a positive and lasting impact on society. I extend my thanks to all employees for making these achievements possible.”
Saifer, CSR, ODC, and Communications Director, concluded, “The initiatives and projects highlighted in this report are the result of collective effort and the unwavering determination of our employees. Their commitment has made a tangible and lasting difference in the lives of the communities we serve.”
