FORA'ESS 2026: At the Grand Théâtre in Dakar, Sonatel presents its model for social and digital inclusion

The Grand Théâtre of Dakar will host the African Forum on Social and Solidarity Economy (FORA'ESS 2026) from July 7 to 9, 2026, a major crossroads where public policies and grassroots initiatives from across the continent converge. Beyond mere debate, key players in the African ecosystem will showcase their ambitions for sustainable development. This is the case for the Sonatel Group, whose activities now extend beyond simple connectivity to focus on creating a measurable social impact within communities. In rural areas, the deployment of its digital infrastructure actively contributes to reducing economic disparities by facilitating access to basic services.

This approach is embodied in particular by the Orange Digital Centers, facilities that have trained over 100,000 people in technological skills. The group highlights the success of the Diagna Ndiaye 2025 cohort, which boasts a 100% job placement rate, demonstrating the effectiveness of these programs for youth employment and entrepreneurship. In parallel, the Oasis project supports the transformation of villages towards resilient models that integrate access to water, energy, education, and financial inclusion.

The telecoms leader's commitment is also demonstrated through the ecological modernization of its network. To meet environmental challenges while ensuring the continuity of its services, Sonatel has converted all of its technical sites to solar power. Financially, the company has established itself as a pillar of economic empowerment thanks to Orange Money, which now boasts over 13 million active customers. This service secures and simplifies the daily transactions of millions of users, thus directly supporting the informal sector and national economic activity.

By positioning itself as the preferred partner for public inclusion policies, Sonatel strives to transform skills into future opportunities. As FORA'ESS 2026 raises the fundamental question of how to translate the intention of inclusion into a measurable reality, the incumbent operator intends to demonstrate that its response is already concretely illustrated through its infrastructure and the transformation of local communities.