The Fondation Orange Mali has announced an allocation of 276 million FCFA for its 2026 solidarity efforts, under the theme "Solidarity, a lever for promoting culture and civic education." This year's initiatives focus on supporting vulnerable populations and structures that assist them. The foundation's actions cover various areas, including education, health, and empowerment. Since its inception in 2006, the Fondation Orange Mali has supported over 1,000 projects and 5 million people across Mali.
The education sector will receive 75 million FCFA, comprising 5,700 school kits, 300 desks, and excellence scholarships for 18 high school and baccalaureate students. In the health sector, 49.7 million FCFA will be invested in providing free medical care to over 8,500 patients, 200 cervical cancer screenings, 35 chemotherapy sessions, and 600 cataract surgeries. These initiatives aim to improve the well-being of Malians, particularly those in vulnerable situations.
The Fondation Orange Mali also highlights its "Orange Excellence" program, which supports talented young individuals. Marthe Fatoumata Coulibaly, from the first cohort, is pursuing her studies in Bamako with a scholarship, having achieved an average of 18.25 in the 2025-2026 academic year. Safietou Mohamed Touré, admitted to the prestigious Castors high school, received a 2,215,000 FCFA scholarship after a remote interview from Gao. Mahamadou Bagayoko, a 2026 baccalaureate laureate, obtained a 4,079,153 FCFA scholarship to study at the African Institute of Technology and Management, aspiring to become a robotics engineer.
In addition to academic excellence, the Fondation Orange Mali supports young people who have dropped out of school through its "Plan B" or "Second Chance Project." This program enables them to acquire professional skills. Kadiatou Ouéleguémé completed a pastry-making training, while Fatoumata Sangaré is learning plumbing at the Sénou Vocational Training Center. Abdoulaye Guissé, a top student in photovoltaic system assembly, also benefited from this initiative. All three received kits to practice their trade.
The ceremony, attended by government members, communal authorities, and Orange Mali partners, highlighted the foundation's two-decade commitment to solidarity. Minister of Communication, Economy, and Modernization of Administration, Alhamdou Ag Ilyène, praised the foundation's efforts and encouraged young scholarship recipients. He emphasized the growing importance of digital skills in future professions.
Minister of Health and Social Development, Assa Badiallo Touré, expressed the government's appreciation for the Fondation Orange Mali's twenty years of engagement. She stressed the impact of these initiatives on communities, including supported students, economically empowered women, treated patients, and elderly cataract surgery recipients. The government's focus on economic and professional empowerment was reiterated, particularly under the leadership of General Assimi Goïta.
The Fondation Orange Mali's director general, Leyti N'Diaye, reaffirmed the company's commitment to supporting vulnerable populations. The ceremony concluded with a call to continue collaboration and support for young people. Key stakeholders emphasized the importance of solidarity and civic education in promoting a culture of social responsibility. The Fondation Orange Mali's efforts aim to make a lasting impact on Mali's development.
Key points
- The Fondation Orange Mali has allocated 276 million FCFA for its 2026 solidarity initiatives.
- The foundation supports over 1,000 projects and 5 million people across Mali.
- The education sector receives 75 million FCFA, focusing on school kits, desks, and excellence scholarships.
