As CEO of Orange Group, Broadband Commissioner Christel Heydemann has advanced efforts to expand broadband access, lower connectivity costs, and promote digital skills. Through major investments in 4G and 5G networks, affordable device initiatives, and a growing network of Orange Digital Centers for skills building, Orange is working to bridge the digital divide across Africa, the Middle East, and Europe.
Advancing Broadband Commission Priorities
Investment and Affordability
Aligned with the Commission’s recommendations to expand infrastructure and Advocacy Target 2 to make broadband more affordable, Orange invests over €1 billion annually to develop and modernize networks. This includes scaling 4G coverage to 85% by 2025, launching 5G services in several African countries, and rolling out 15,000 additional rural sites to connect underserved areas. Complementing these investments, Orange has reduced mobile broadband prices by up to 70% and fixed broadband by up to 86% in markets like Senegal between 2018 and 2023, while partnering with Google Android to offer the Sanza: an affordable 4G smartphone.
Digital Skills and Inclusion
In support of Advocacy Target 4 on digital skills, Orange has established 23 Orange Digital Centers to provide free training and promote youth employability and entrepreneurship. So far, 1.2 million young people, 60% of whom women, have been trained, with plans to expand centers across all countries where Orange operates. The Group also collaborates with Amazon Web Services for advanced cloud skills and with Broadband Commission member organization Smart Africa to extend impact regionally. Lastly, in partnership with OpenAI and Broadband Commission member organization Meta, Orange is adapting AI models for African languages like Wolof and Pulaar. It plans to release them open-source in 2025 to enhance digital inclusion and reach out to illiterate populations on the continent.
Sustainability and Responsible Growth
Orange Middle East and Africa is also working to reduce its environmental footprint, in line with Broadband Commission recommendations on sustainable infrastructure. Initiatives include deploying renewable energy solutions, targeting net zero emissions by 2040, running recycling programs, and engaging employees in environmental projects through the Engage for Change platform.
The ideas and opinions expressed in these insights are those of the authors; they do not necessarily reflect those of ITU and UNESCO or the Broadband Commission, or imply endorsement
