The telecom giant underscores that while 520 million people in Africa have mobile access, many are still excluded from fixed broadband, highlighting connectivity as a cornerstone for socio-economic development.
Orange, one of the world’s leading telecommunications companies, is investing approximately €1 billion every year to enhance connectivity and digital infrastructure across Africa and the Middle East. This commitment underscores the company’s long-term vision to support digital transformation and socio-economic development throughout the region.
Operating in 18 countries within these regions, Orange currently serves over 150 million customers. The company’s investments are targeted at expanding mobile networks, improving internet access, and building large-scale infrastructure projects like data centers, submarine cables, and terrestrial fiber networks. These initiatives aim to meet the rapidly growing demand for digital services and bridge the digital divide.
A key part of Orange’s strategy is its focus on building resilient and secure digital ecosystems. The company has launched several data centers across countries such as Senegal, Côte d’Ivoire, and Jordan, with plans for more. These facilities are vital for hosting cloud services and ensuring data sovereignty, which is becoming increasingly important for governments and businesses in the region.
Orange also emphasizes partnerships with local stakeholders, including governments, regulators, and private enterprises. These collaborations are essential for creating an enabling environment for digital innovation and for adapting solutions to local needs. Moreover, Orange is actively involved in skills development through its Orange Digital Centers, which provide training in coding, entrepreneurship, and digital literacy. These centers operate in over a dozen countries and help equip young people with skills for the digital economy.
The company’s investments align with broader regional and international goals, such as the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially those focused on industry, innovation, and infrastructure. By improving connectivity, Orange aims to unlock economic opportunities, enhance education and healthcare access, and foster inclusive growth.
In addition to financial investment, Orange is also supporting green and sustainable technologies. The company has made strides in integrating solar energy into its operations and is exploring innovative solutions to reduce its carbon footprint.
Overall, Orange’s annual €1 billion investment reflects a deep commitment to transforming the digital landscape of Africa and the Middle East. Through infrastructure development, partnerships, and digital empowerment, the company is positioning itself as a major player in shaping the region’s digital future.
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