Orange and IFC Partner to Expand Digital Access in West and Central Africa

Orange Middle East and Africa (OMEA) has joined forces with the International Finance Corporation (IFC) to boost digital access in parts of West and Central Africa. This partnership was officially announced during the Africa CEO Forum in Abidjan, which took place on May 12 and 13. Together, the two organizations aim to bring better digital services to people living in underserved and rural areas across eight African countries.

This new partnership is focused on making digital connectivity more inclusive and long-lasting. OMEA, a major telecom player in Africa, is using its strong presence and existing networks in the region. Meanwhile, the IFC part of the World Bank Group that focuses on private sector development is offering its expertise in financing and sustainable investment. By combining these strengths, they plan to launch several new telecom projects in the years ahead. These will include building towers, laying fiber optic cables, and expanding internet access. This isn’t the first time the IFC has supported digital growth in Africa. For example, the organization recently helped fund two major operations in the region: the first telecom sector securitization project in West Africa, and sustainable financial support for Sonatel, a key telecom company in Senegal. Altogether, these efforts have provided about $75 million in 2024 alone. Thanks to this support, Sonatel has been able to improve 4G internet coverage and bring fiber optic connections to more remote parts of Senegal.

With this new collaboration, Orange and IFC hope to do even more. Their shared goal is to create an investment model that can be repeated across the continent. They want to reduce the digital divide, support financial inclusion, and build stronger communities—especially through job creation in the digital economy.

Jerôme Hénique, CEO of Orange Middle East and Africa, expressed his enthusiasm about the partnership:

“This agreement with IFC is a big move toward closing the digital gap in Africa. We want to make sure more people, especially those in rural areas, can access reliable and affordable digital services. By working together, we’re creating a fairer digital future for everyone.”

Ethiopis Tafara, IFC’s Vice President for Africa, also shared his thoughts:

“Digital connectivity is key to driving innovation, increasing access to financial services, and creating jobs. This partnership shows our strong belief that technology can be a powerful tool for Africa’s economic growth. Working with Orange allows us to make a real difference for both individuals and businesses across the region.”

In short, this partnership between OMEA and IFC is set to help millions by improving internet access, creating new opportunities, and building a stronger digital foundation for West and Central Africa.

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