By Mohamed Kanu
The Orange Sierra Leone Foundation and ActionAid Sierra Leone have signed a partnership agreement to establish a Digital Inclusion Training Centre aimed at equipping persons with disabilities with digital skills and improving their access to education, employment and economic opportunities.
The partnership was formalised through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), bringing together representatives from the two organisations, the Ministry of Social Welfare and organisations representing persons with disabilities.
The proposed centre will provide digital literacy training, practical technology skills and access to assistive technologies designed to help persons with disabilities participate more fully in Sierra Leone’s growing digital economy.
Orange Sierra Leone Foundation said the initiative forms part of its broader commitment to promoting digital inclusion, while ActionAid Sierra Leone said the collaboration aligns with its efforts to empower marginalised and vulnerable communities across the country.
The programme is expected to train about 150 persons with disabilities with practical digital skills, helping improve their prospects for employment, entrepreneurship and greater economic independence.
Officials from the Ministry of Social Welfare attended the signing ceremony, signalling government support for the initiative.
Representatives of organisations for persons with disabilities also welcomed the partnership, describing it as a step towards reducing barriers to digital access.
Digital exclusion remains a challenge for many persons with disabilities in Sierra Leone, where access to technology, specialised training and assistive devices is often limited. Supporters of the initiative say the training centre will help narrow that gap by providing participants with skills needed to engage in education, business and public life.
The collaboration reflects growing efforts by private sector organisations and civil society groups to expand digital opportunities for vulnerable populations as Sierra Leone pursues broader digital transformation and inclusive development goals.
