New innovations drive Orange digital transformation
JOHANNESBURG, (CAJ News) – ORANGE, the telecommunications operator, has outlined its vision and priorities for the Middle East and Africa (MEA).
The French-headquartered operator says it has identified a number of new sectors and activities in which it can play a key role in delivering digital transformation to this region.
Bruno Mettling, Chief Executive Officer, Orange MEA, said MEA remained a key growth contributor for Orange.
Today, Orange is present in 21 countries in the zone, with more than one in ten Africans being Orange customers, he says.
“We are investing for the long term and plan to continue playing a major role in the digital transformation of the region, from providing infrastructure and access to communications services through to developing new models that will help the region grow,” says Mettling.
Among innovations for Africa and Middle East include Orange Money, 4G smartphone (Orange Rise 51), Near Field Communication Coins and My Store – USSD-based app store.
With 90 percent of the rural population living in sub Saharan Africa excluded from access to electricity, Orange is launching its Rural Electrification Programme to provide an affordable solution – either to individual customers or collectives – to help populations generate electricity where no traditional electricity grids are available.
To be piloted first in the Ivory Coast, Senegal and Cameroon from November 2016, Orange is providing solar kits or micro-grids to rural communities to harness the power of the sun and generate electricity.
The pilot is due to run for six months and the equipment will be wholly subsidised by Orange. Customers will be able to pay by Orange Money.
– CAJ News
