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Orange is making bold moves on the African continent, defying the trend of French banks pulling out.
Their strategic focus on Morocco underscores a commitment to growth and innovation.
Gitex Africa in Marrakech serves as the perfect stage for their latest developments.
At this year’s Gitex Africa, Orange showcased its unwavering dedication to expanding its footprint across Africa and the Middle East. Jérôme Hénique, CEO of Orange Afrique et Moyen-Orient, emphasized the continent’s dynamic environment as a fertile ground for innovation. With over two decades of presence, Orange has evolved from a leading mobile operator serving 165 million customers to a pivotal player in mobile financial services, boasting 40 million active Orange Money accounts. The company’s Orange Digital Center (ODC) initiative, present in 16 African countries and 8 in Europe, exemplifies their commitment to fostering digital skills and nurturing startups. By providing free digital training to over 1.2 million individuals and supporting more than 300 startups through incubation and acceleration programs, Orange is not just adapting but actively shaping the technological landscape. Strategic partnerships, such as the recent collaboration with Flat6Labs, enhance their ability to identify and support promising startups, further solidifying Orange’s role as a catalyst for growth. The presence of innovative startups like ToumAI at Gitex Africa highlights the symbiotic relationship between Orange’s services and cutting-edge technologies, paving the way for advancements in their Max it super-app. As the event concludes, it’s clear that Orange’s strategic investments and partnerships are driving the digital transformation across Africa, positioning the continent as a pivotal hub for tech innovation today.
gitex africa 2025: why africa is orange’s playground for innovation
As Gitex Africa 2025 approaches, the spotlight shines brightly on the continent as a burgeoning hub of innovation. For Orange, a telecommunications giant with over two decades of presence in Africa, the event represents not just another exhibition but a testament to Africa’s dynamic role in shaping the future of technology. But what makes Africa the perfect playground for Orange’s innovative endeavors? Let’s dive deep into the factors that position Africa at the forefront of Orange’s strategic growth and innovation.
what drives orange’s sustained growth in africa?
Unlike many French banks that have retreated from the African market, Orange has doubled down, expanding its footprint across the continent. With a customer base exceeding 165 million mobile users, Orange’s commitment to Africa is unwavering. The company’s diversification strategy, particularly into mobile financial services, has been a game-changer. Launched in 2008, Orange Money in Côte d’Ivoire now boasts over 40 million active monthly accounts. This strategic move not only reinforces Orange’s market presence but also underscores Africa’s potential as a fertile ground for financial innovation.
Moreover, Orange’s focus on connectivity lays a robust foundation for all its services. The expansion into 40 countries reflects a tailored approach to meet diverse market needs, ensuring that Orange remains a pivotal player in Africa’s digital transformation.
how does orange foster innovation through partnerships?
At Gitex Africa 2025, Orange’s collaborative spirit is on full display. The company’s partnership with Flat6Labs, a leading startup accelerator in the MENA region, exemplifies this. This alliance allows Orange to share deal flows, identify promising startups, and contribute to international funding opportunities. By co-developing projects and providing financial backing through Orange Ventures, Orange ensures that innovations are not just incubated but brought to market with the necessary support.
The establishment of the Orange Digital Center (ODC) further amplifies Orange’s commitment to nurturing innovation. With centers in 16 African and 8 European countries, ODC serves as a nexus for digital training and startup incubation, fostering an ecosystem where creativity meets practicality. Startups like ToumAI, showcased at Gitex Africa, benefit from ODC’s comprehensive support—from mentorship to funding—enabling them to scale and integrate technologies like artificial intelligence into mainstream services.
why is morocco pivotal to orange’s african strategy?
The decision to focus on Morocco is strategic. Serving as a bridge between Europe and Africa, Morocco’s robust infrastructure and growing startup ecosystem make it an ideal hub for Orange. The inauguration of Orange’s headquarters for Africa and the Middle East in Casablanca in 2020 underscores Morocco’s importance in Orange’s regional strategy. With a dedicated support team of approximately 160 employees, Orange ensures seamless operations across 17 African countries and Jordan.
Morocco’s burgeoning tech scene is another key factor. The rise of successful startups and increased venture capital investments signal a thriving environment for innovation. This not only benefits Orange but also positions Morocco as a central player in Africa’s tech landscape, fostering cross-border collaborations and expanding market reach.
how is africa redefining innovation for orange?
Africa’s unique challenges and opportunities drive Orange to innovate in ways that are both locally relevant and globally impactful. The rapid adoption of mobile financial services, exemplified by Orange Money, demonstrates Africa’s capacity for leapfrogging traditional financial systems. Startups in the continent are not just replicating existing models but are creating bespoke solutions that address specific needs in sectors like healthcare, education, and agriculture.
Orange’s focus on 5G connectivity is another testament to Africa’s role in redefining innovation. Enhanced connectivity enables the deployment of advanced technologies, from Internet of Things (IoT) devices in agriculture to telemedicine solutions that bridge gaps in healthcare access. By investing in 5G, Orange ensures that Africa remains at the cutting edge of technological advancements, fostering an environment where innovation can thrive.
what role do orange digital centers play in africa’s ecosystem?
The Orange Digital Centers (ODC) are integral to Orange’s mission of fostering innovation and improving digital literacy across Africa. These centers offer a range of services, from digital training to startup incubation and acceleration. By providing free digital education to over 1.2 million individuals, ODCs enhance employability and empower the youth to launch their own ventures.
Startups benefiting from ODC’s support receive comprehensive assistance, including incubation, acceleration, prototyping, mentoring, and access to Orange Ventures funding. This holistic approach ensures that startups are not only nurtured but also positioned for sustainable growth and market success. The collaborative environment fostered by ODCs encourages knowledge sharing and cross-pollination of ideas, further strengthening Africa’s innovation ecosystem.
how does orange integrate artificial intelligence in its services?
Artificial intelligence (AI) is at the heart of Orange’s service enhancement strategy. Startups like ToumAI, which develop language-specific Large Language Models (LLMs), are pivotal in making AI accessible and useful for local populations. By integrating AI into its super-app, Max it, Orange offers customers a seamless experience that encompasses telecom services, financial transactions, and e-commerce, all powered by intelligent bots that understand local languages.
This integration not only improves user experience but also drives efficiency and personalization in service delivery. AI-powered solutions enable Orange to anticipate customer needs, streamline operations, and offer tailored recommendations, positioning the company as a leader in digital innovation within the African market.
why is gitex africa a cornerstone event for orange?
Gitex Africa is more than just a trade show for Orange; it’s a strategic platform to showcase innovations, foster partnerships, and gain visibility for the startups it supports. With around twenty startups representing Orange each day at the event, Gitex Africa provides these emerging companies with invaluable opportunities to network, pitch to investors, and collaborate with other startups across different markets.
The event mirrors the success of VivaTech in France, where Orange brings forward its most promising startups, helping them gain the exposure needed to scale beyond their domestic markets into Sub-Saharan and North African regions. This not only accelerates the growth of these startups but also reinforces Orange’s role as a catalyst for regional innovation.
how does orange contribute to africa’s digital transformation?
Orange’s contributions to Africa’s digital transformation are multifaceted, encompassing infrastructure development, digital education, and startup support. The company’s investment in 4G and 5G networks has significantly enhanced connectivity, laying the groundwork for advanced technological applications across various sectors. Enhanced connectivity facilitates the implementation of IoT devices in agriculture, telehealth services, and smart city initiatives, driving efficiency and innovation.
Furthermore, Orange’s emphasis on electronic payment systems, primarily through Orange Money, has revolutionized financial transactions, making them more accessible and secure for millions. This financial inclusivity is a critical component of Africa’s economic growth and digital economy.
In addition, Orange’s Orange Digital Centers play a crucial role in developing digital skills and fostering entrepreneurship. By equipping individuals with the necessary skills and supporting startups, Orange ensures that the digital transformation is inclusive and sustainable, addressing key challenges in education and employment.
what challenges does orange face in african markets?
Despite the immense opportunities, Orange faces several challenges in African markets. The diverse and fragmented nature of the continent’s telecommunications landscape requires tailored strategies for different regions. Regulatory hurdles, varying consumer behaviors, and infrastructure disparities can impact the deployment and adoption of new technologies.
Additionally, cybersecurity remains a significant concern. As Orange expands its digital services, ensuring the security and privacy of user data becomes paramount. The company must continuously invest in robust security measures to protect its customers and maintain trust.
Economic fluctuations and political instability in certain regions also pose risks to Orange’s operations. Adapting to these volatile environments requires agility and resilience, enabling Orange to navigate challenges while capitalizing on growth opportunities.
how does orange envision the future of innovation in africa?
Orange envisions a future where Africa is not just a recipient of technological advancements but a major contributor to global innovation. By fostering a vibrant ecosystem of startups, investing in cutting-edge technologies, and strengthening digital infrastructure, Orange aims to position Africa as a central hub for innovation in key sectors such as healthcare, education, agriculture, and financial services.
The company’s focus on sustainable innovation ensures that technological progress aligns with social and economic development goals. Initiatives like Orange Money and ToumAI illustrate how innovation can address real-world challenges, improve quality of life, and drive economic growth.
Looking ahead, Orange plans to continue its investment in AI, 5G, and digital training programs to empower the next generation of African innovators. By fostering collaboration between industry leaders, startups, and educational institutions, Orange aims to create a dynamic and inclusive innovation landscape that propels Africa into the forefront of the global digital economy.
how can startups benefit from attending gitex africa?
Startups attending Gitex Africa stand to gain from unparalleled exposure and networking opportunities. The event serves as a melting pot for industry leaders, investors, and fellow entrepreneurs, providing startups with the platform to showcase their innovations, pitch to potential investors, and form strategic partnerships.
Additionally, participating startups can benefit from Orange’s extensive support network, including mentorship, funding opportunities through Orange Ventures, and access to technological resources. The presence of successful startups like ToumAI serves as inspiration and proof of concept for emerging companies striving to make their mark in the competitive tech landscape.
Moreover, startups can leverage the event to understand market trends, gain insights from industry experts, and stay abreast of the latest technological advancements. This knowledge is crucial for refining business strategies, enhancing product offerings, and scaling operations effectively.
what impact does orange aim to make post-gitex africa?
Post Gitex Africa, Orange aims to capitalize on the momentum generated during the event to accelerate its innovation initiatives and deepen its market penetration. The company plans to integrate feedback and insights gained at Gitex into its strategic roadmap, ensuring that its offerings remain relevant and impactful.
Orange also intends to strengthen its partnerships with startups and other stakeholders to drive collaborative projects that address pressing challenges in Africa. By continuing to invest in digital infrastructure, AI, and financial services, Orange seeks to sustain its role as a leader in Africa’s digital transformation.
Ultimately, Orange’s goal is to foster a sustainable and inclusive digital economy in Africa, where innovation drives social and economic progress, creating a better future for all.
