The carrier also signs deal with World Bank to boost its mobile money offer in the region
Orange Middle East and Africa (OMEA) has signed an agreement with Microsoft, through the software giant’s Africa Transformation Office, to support 15,000 small to medium enterprises across 17 countries in Africa and the Middle East in adopting Microsoft solutions
The partnership will focus on three areas. The first will see Orange’s distribution network in the MEA region providing SMEs with easy access to Microsoft solutions such as Microsoft 365, Copilot, Azure, and Dynamics 365. Together, the partners will also facilitate the upskilling of Microsoft experts within each country.
In the second, Orange and Microsoft will collaborate on training, marketing, and sales support programs to enable SMEs to adopt and benefit from Microsoft Modern Work solutions. Finally, the two will establish a joint steering committee will ensure the successful execution of the partnership, which will be monitored through key performance indicators.
Through the collaboration, Microsoft and Orange aim to support 15,000 businesses throughout 2024, with an ambition to reach one million SMEs by providing access to technology, tools and support to accelerate adoption. The initiative will also include micro-businesses and the education sector.
“This collaboration with Microsoft is a significant step in our commitment to support the digital transformation of African businesses. By combining our network and Microsoft’s solutions, we can provide SMEs with the tools and guidance they need to thrive in the digital economy,” said Orange MEA CEO Jérôme Hénique.
“SMEs are the engine of economic growth in Africa. By collaborating with Orange, we can help them adopt digital technologies and unleash their full potential to create jobs, stimulate innovation, and contribute to the economic development of the continent,” added Microsoft Africa president Lillian Barnard.
World bank deal to boost mobile money and infrastructure
Orange recently joined forces with the World Bank’s Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA) to ensure the guarantees of its subsidiary including mobile money. This collaboration, facilitated through the International Development Association Private Sector Window (IDA-PSW) via the MIGA Guarantee Facility, encompasses all facets of Orange’s operations in the MEA region. The goal is to “catalyse significant advancements in telecommunications infrastructure, enhance connectivity and promote economic development”. The collaboration secures guarantees aimed at supporting Orange’s expansion in the region.
“Digitalisation of economies in Africa is a major priority for the World Bank Group. Our support allows Orange to continue building networks for provision of mobile banking and other data services,” said MIGA EVP Hiroshi Matano . “MIGA guarantees are a powerful instrument to attract foreign investment in low-income countries.”
“This long-lasting partnership with MIGA will enable us to pursue the expansion of our activities safely and meet one of our key commitments to leverage our expertise and resources to drive sustainable development and empower communities in the Middle East and Africa,” said Hénique.
Last November, Orange launched its super-app, Max it, which puts telecoms, financial services and e-commerce in one place. The move followed the success of its My Orange and Orange Money applications, used by over 22 million customers every day. Orange expects to have around 45 million active Max it users by 2025.