Launching ceremony of the “orange collecte” project

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I am very happy to be here today in response to the Orange Group invitation, for the official launch of its new “Orange Collecte” project.

I would first like to greet Mrs. Axelle Lemaire, the French Secretary of State to Digital and her delegation, who traveled to Abidjan from Paris. I wish you the traditional Akwaba in Côte d’Ivoire. I’m very pleased to welcome you in Abidjan.

I also welcome Mr. Bruno KONE, our dynamic Minister of Post, Information Technologies and Communication, who has closely followed this beautiful project.

I would also like to extend my warmest greetings to Mr. Stéphane Richard, the CEO of Orange Group, and also a longtime friend of Côte d’Ivoire.

Dear Mr. RICHARD, I want to thank you especially for your commitment to Africa, and your willingness to support the most deprived sectors of the population, notably through the Orange Foundation.

I would also like to greet the Ambassador of France in Côte d’ivoire, Mr Georges Serre, Dear members of the diplomatic corps, and the General Managers of Financial Institutions and all those present at the ceremony.

Thank you all for being here with us today.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

At this stage of my remarks, I want to welcome the initiative of the Orange Group, which, in its desire to contribute to creating a more equitable world, initiated the design of this crowd-funding tool for the use of Foundations, NGOs and charitable associations.

As you know, gaps and unmet needs, are many in social field in Côte d’Ivoire, Africa and everywhere around the world. Also, it’s all together, hand in hand: economic operators, public authorities, financial institutions and social actors that we will succeed in shifting the lines.

To save a life, to give back a smile to a child, there is no little contribution. All donations count and many people need them. Even a drop in the ocean can make the difference.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

In the framework of Children of Africa Foundation’s humanitarian actions, we intervene not only in Côte d’ivoire, but also in ten (10) other African countries. To this end, the “Orange Collecte” service is an amazing innovation that will raise awareness and encourage the involvement of many donors, regardless of their geographical location.

I therefore encourage, NGOs and Associations to use this tool as part of their activities, to promote self-help, and help build a better world.

While reiterating my congratulations to the Orange Group, I wish full success to this great social project.

Thank you.