Telecommunications operator Orange Guinea has launched the 2026 edition of its “Hello Women” programme, an initiative aimed at encouraging young girls and women to pursue careers in technology and digital sectors.
The programme, unveiled on March 9, offers training, mentoring and networking opportunities designed to help women explore career paths in science and technology, where female participation remains relatively low across Africa.
The initiative forms part of broader efforts by Orange Group to promote diversity in the technology sector and expand the pipeline of female digital talent on the continent.
Training and mentorship opportunities
Participants in the programme will take part in awareness sessions introducing career opportunities in technology, as well as meetings with women already working in the sector.
The initiative also includes guided visits to the company’s technical facilities, giving participants an opportunity to see how telecommunications infrastructure and digital services operate.
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In addition, trainees will have access to short courses at the Orange Digital Center, where they will learn practical skills in fields such as software development, cloud computing, cybersecurity and data analysis.
The programme will also feature a women’s hackathon, during which participants will develop technology-based solutions to address local challenges.
According to Ousmane Boly Traoré, chief executive of Orange Guinea, the initiative is designed to support women at different stages of their digital careers.
“Our goal is to accompany women whether they are discovering digital professions, transitioning into technical roles or seeking their first professional experience,” he said.
Addressing gender gaps in technology
The programme comes at a time when women remain underrepresented in science and technology fields across much of Africa.
Data from UNESCO shows that women account for roughly 30% of scientific researchers on the continent.
Their representation in information technology and engineering fields is even lower, particularly in parts of West and Central Africa, where women make up less than 15% of researchers in engineering and technology disciplines.
Industry observers say this gap limits women’s participation in the rapidly expanding digital economy.
Within Orange Group itself, women represent around 25.4% of employees in technical and digital roles.
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Through programmes such as “Hello Women,” the company hopes to increase female participation in these fields and promote greater gender diversity within the technology sector.
Growing demand for digital skills
The initiative also reflects the increasing demand for digital skills as African economies accelerate their technological transformation.
Experts say sectors such as cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, software engineering and data analytics are becoming critical to economic development.
According to the World Bank, sub-Saharan Africa could generate as many as 230 million digital jobs by 2030 as digital services expand across the region.
That growth is expected to be driven by rising internet penetration, increased investment in digital infrastructure and the expansion of online services.
Training programmes targeting women and young people are therefore seen as essential to ensuring that the continent has the skilled workforce required to support that transformation.
Encouraging inclusive digital growth
By combining technical training, mentorship and hands-on innovation activities, Orange Guinea hopes the programme will inspire more women to pursue careers in technology and entrepreneurship.
Supporters of the initiative say increasing women’s participation in digital professions is not only an issue of equality but also a key factor in driving innovation and economic growth.
As digital industries expand across Africa, initiatives such as “Hello Women” are expected to play an increasingly important role in preparing the next generation of technology professionals.
