Orange and the Agence Française de Développement (AFD) Group signed a landmark framework agreement, designating Orange as AFD’s primary partner for digital initiatives across 17 countries in Africa, the Middle East, Moldova, and French overseas departments.
The three-year agreement, signed by Orange CEO Christel Heydemann, AFD Group CEO Rémy Rioux, and Proparco CEO Françoise Lombard, aims to enhance digital access, foster innovation, and accelerate sustainable development. This unprecedented partnership between AFD and a telecom operator focuses on digital inclusion, financial and energy access, environmental sustainability, and support for entrepreneurship.
Key priorities include deploying high-speed network infrastructure like submarine cables, expanding e-services in agriculture, health, and education, and reducing the digital sector’s environmental footprint. The agreement also emphasizes ethical data use, cybersecurity, and AI-driven development solutions.
Orange, a leader in digital transformation in the Africa-Middle East region, operates 16 Orange Digital Centers and 32 Digital Center Clubs with universities to promote digital skills and entrepreneurship. AFD Group, through its work with public and private sectors, supports digital solutions aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
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The partnership builds on over 20 years of collaboration, including projects like network deployments in Jordan and Senegal, and digital training programs in Côte d’Ivoire, Guinea, Madagascar, and Tunisia. This new agreement will amplify these efforts, promoting best practices and innovative solutions.
“This strategic partnership marks an important milestone in our collaboration,” said Christel Heydemann. “It reinforces Orange’s commitment to expanding access to digital technology everywhere we operate.”
Rémy Rioux added, “Digital technology is a powerful lever for transforming sectors like education and health. This partnership with Orange supports sovereign, innovative digital services at a local level.”
Françoise Lombard emphasized Proparco’s role, stating, “By combining our expertise and resources, we are working to improve digital access for all in France and emerging countries.”
The agreement reflects a shared vision for digital equality and sustainable development through collaborative innovation.
