Orange Africa and the Middle East, in partnership with the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ), have announced the launch of “Master Repair,” an ambitious initiative aimed at enhancing youth employability and supporting the growth of micro-enterprises in electronic repair and sustainable technologies. This project, a product of ongoing collaboration between Orange Digital Center and GIZ, directly addresses the twin challenges of youth unemployment and the circular economy.
A skills-driven approach to employment and sustainability
Targeting young people in Morocco, Tunisia, Senegal, and Egypt, “Master Repair” offers specialized training in electronic device repair as well as solar panel and fiber optic installation and maintenance. With a strong focus on empowering young women and people with disabilities, the project is designed to create sustainable, quality job opportunities and develop lasting skills, particularly in underserved regions.
Through a joint investment of €2.85 million, the partnership has set three key objectives:
- Enhancing professional skills: The project aims to equip young people, women, and individuals with disabilities with essential technical skills to enter the job market in electronic repair and sustainable tech fields.
- Promoting entrepreneurship and self-employment: In addition to technical training, participants receive entrepreneurial support to start their own repair and maintenance businesses, helping build a more resilient, inclusive economic ecosystem.
- Fostering sustainable solutions: By encouraging the repair and reuse of electronic devices, the project promotes the circular economy, reducing CO₂ emissions. It also introduces innovative solutions in solar energy and fiber optics, contributing to long-term environmental impact.
Collaborative commitment to inclusive development
In cooperation with local partners, Orange Africa and the Middle East and GIZ underscore their dedication to inclusive economic growth and sustainable innovation. “Master Repair” is part of the develoPPP program, commissioned by Germany’s Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), supported by the “Decent Employment for a Just Transition” initiative. This initiative aligns with Orange Digital Center’s mission to promote digital inclusion and support skills development for young people and women, enhancing their career prospects.
Elisabeth Richter, Head of the develoPPP for Jobs Program, expressed enthusiasm about the project’s launch, noting that “Technical training, especially in emerging technologies, strengthens youth employability and contributes to creating quality jobs in four countries. The inclusion of people with disabilities is particularly significant, as the develoPPP program emphasizes integrating vulnerable groups into the workforce, aligning with BMZ’s feminist development policy.”
Jérôme Hénique, CEO of Orange Africa and the Middle East, emphasized the partnership’s importance, saying, “This collaboration with GIZ highlights our commitment to helping young people—particularly women and people with disabilities—achieve sustainable professional integration and a more inclusive economic future. Together, we are investing in skills that not only open doors but also lay the groundwork for a resilient circular economy.”
