Orange and Vodacom Launch Groundbreaking Rural Connectivity Project in DRC with Solar-Powered Base Stations

Orange and Vodacom Launch Groundbreaking Rural Connectivity Project in DRC with Solar-Powered Base Stations

(IN BRIEF) Orange and Vodacom have teamed up to establish a pioneering partnership in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) aimed at enhancing mobile connectivity in rural areas. Over the next six years, the companies plan to construct up to 2,000 solar-powered base stations, with the goal of providing telecommunications and mobile financial services to up to 19 million people. This initiative aligns with the DRC’s National Digital Plan Horizon 2025, which aims to improve digital infrastructure and foster economic growth. The first base stations are expected to be operational by 2025, and the joint venture will also make infrastructure available to other mobile network operators.

(PRESS RELEASE) PARIS, 14-Jan-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — In a groundbreaking move for Africa’s telecommunications landscape, Orange and Vodacom have launched a pioneering rural tower partnership aimed at bringing mobile coverage to underserved areas of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This unique collaboration will see the construction, ownership, and operation of solar-powered mobile base stations, with the goal of improving access to telecommunications and mobile financial services for up to 19 million people living in less populated rural communities. This effort underscores the companies’ shared vision of reducing the digital divide and driving inclusive economic growth across the continent.

Expanding network infrastructure in remote regions of the DRC poses significant challenges, but Orange and Vodacom are taking bold steps to address this. Together, they plan to build up to 2,000 solar-powered base stations over the next six years, utilizing both 2G and 4G technologies. Initially, the project will focus on 1,000 sites, with potential to expand by an additional 1,000 towers, contingent on regulatory approvals. The joint venture is designed to bring reliable mobile coverage to rural areas, offering residents access to essential services like voice communication, data, and mobile banking.

The first of these solar-powered base stations is set to be operational by 2025. Orange and Vodacom will share both active and passive infrastructure as anchor tenants for an initial 20-year period. The joint venture will also make its passive infrastructure available to any interested mobile network operators (MNOs) wherever technically feasible, ensuring broader service availability and fostering competition.

Vodacom Group CEO Shameel Joosub commented, “With over 210 million customers across Africa, our partnership with Orange represents a key opportunity to contribute to the continent’s socio-economic development. By expanding mobile coverage in underserved areas, we are supporting digital inclusion and enhancing the future of mobile connectivity in the DRC.”

Jerôme Hénique, CEO of Orange Middle East and Africa, added, “Our deep understanding of the African market, coupled with our successful track record in the DRC, makes this collaboration with Vodacom the most effective means of accelerating connectivity for rural communities. By sharing infrastructure, we will also minimize our environmental footprint.”

The new base stations align with the DRC’s National Digital Plan Horizon 2025, which aims to boost digital transformation and economic development. Mobile internet penetration in the DRC is currently at 32.3%, and the partnership is expected to play a pivotal role in increasing access to digital services, fostering e-citizenship, e-government, and e-commerce, while contributing to job creation and GDP growth.

Orange RDC, a subsidiary of the Orange Group, has been at the forefront of connectivity in the DRC for nearly 12 years. With more than 15 million subscribers and a network of over 3,400 sites, Orange is committed to digital and social inclusion, including initiatives such as the Orange Digital Center & Clubs that provide free digital training to thousands of young Congolese.

About Orange
Orange is one of the world’s leading telecommunications operators with revenues of 39.7 billion euros in 2023 and 128,000 employees worldwide at 30 September 2024, including 71,000 employees in France. The Group has a total customer base of 292 million customers worldwide at 30 September 2024, including 253 million mobile customers and 22 million fixed broadband customers. These figures have been restated to account for the deconsolidation of certain activities in Spain following the creation of MASORANGE. The Group is present in 26 countries (including non-consolidated countries).

Orange is also a leading provider of global IT and telecommunication services to multinational companies under the brand Orange Business. In February 2023, the Group presented its strategic plan “Lead the Future”, built on a new business model and guided by responsibility and efficiency. “Lead the Future” capitalizes on network excellence to reinforce Orange’s leadership in service quality.

Orange is listed on Euronext Paris (symbol ORA).

For more information on the internet and on your mobile: www.orange.com, www.orange-business.com and the Orange News app or to follow us on X: @orangegrouppr.

Orange and any other Orange product or service names included in this material are trademarks of Orange or Orange Brand Services Limited.

About Vodacom
Vodacom Group is a leading and purpose-led African connectivity, digital and financial services company. The Group, including Safaricom, serves over 210 million customers spanning across the consumer and enterprise segments. From our roots in South Africa, we have grown our business to include operations in the DRC, Egypt, Ethiopia, Kenya, Lesotho, Mozambique, and Tanzania. Our mobile networks cover a total population of over 500 million people. Vodacom is majority-owned by Vodafone (65.1% holding), one of the world’s largest communications companies by revenue.

Media Contacts:

Orange:
Krista Stephens
krista.stephens@orange.com

Vodacom:
Khensani Mthombeni
Khensani.Mthombeni@vodacom.co.za

SOURCE: Orange