In a significant move to accelerate digital inclusion across Africa, Orange Middle East and Africa (OMEA) has partnered with the International Finance Corporation (IFC) to expand access to sustainable digital infrastructure in eight underserved countries across West and Central Africa. The announcement was made during the Africa CEO Forum, held in Abidjan on May 12–13, 2025.
This strategic collaboration seeks to address persistent connectivity gaps by combining Orange’s on-ground telecom network and expertise with IFC’s development financing and advisory strength. The goal is clear: build the digital foundations that will enable millions of Africans in rural and underserved regions to access mobile services, broadband internet, and digital financial tools.
Combining Financial Power with Local Reach
Orange MEA, which operates in 18 African and Middle Eastern countries and serves over 161 million customers, is no stranger to scale. The company’s mobile money service, Orange Money, is active in 17 countries and has over 100 million users. Now, it is doubling down on infrastructure, with IFC as a key ally.
The partnership will fund the construction and deployment of telecommunications infrastructure—including mobile towers and fiber optic networks—in areas historically excluded from fast, reliable connectivity. The goal is to create a model that can be replicated across multiple markets.
“This partnership with IFC is a major step in accelerating our ambition to reduce the digital gap by offering quality, sustainable, and accessible connectivity to as many people as possible,” said Jérôme Hénique, CEO of Orange MEA. “We aim to build a more equitable digital future for everyone in Africa.”
Building on Past Success
The partnership follows successful past collaborations. IFC previously supported Sonatel, Orange’s Senegalese subsidiary, with $75 million in sustainable financing, which enabled the expansion of 4G coverage and fiber connectivity in rural areas. IFC also backed West Africa’s first securitization operation in the telecom sector, setting a precedent for innovative financing in the region.
With this new agreement, Orange and IFC aim to scale those efforts, targeting additional countries and communities where lack of infrastructure has stifled digital growth.
“Increasing access to digital connectivity in Africa is a key priority to foster innovation, expand financial inclusion, and create jobs,” noted Ethiopis Tafara, IFC Vice President for Africa. “This partnership demonstrates our commitment to making digital technology a strategic lever for sustainable economic transformation.”
Broader Economic Impact
Beyond internet access, the Orange-IFC initiative is expected to drive inclusive economic development, especially in rural areas. By facilitating digital access, the project will enable more people to participate in digital financial services, e-learning, remote work, and e-health, and strengthen local economies.
The joint effort also aligns with global development goals, supporting SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities).
Toward a Digitally Resilient Africa
As African nations prioritize digital transformation in the wake of economic challenges and rapid population growth, the need for reliable infrastructure is urgent. With Orange’s regional leadership and IFC’s financial muscle, the partnership is poised to become a cornerstone in building a more digitally resilient and inclusive Africa.
