At VivaTech 2025, Orange Group and the Agence Française de Développement (AFD) Group announced the signing of a landmark three-year framework agreement, establishing Orange as AFD’s reference partner in digital matters. This unprecedented collaboration between a telecom operator and a development finance institution aims to enhance access to digital services, drive innovation, and accelerate environmental transition across their shared regions of intervention.
The agreement, signed by Christel Heydemann (CEO of Orange), Rémy Rioux (CEO of AFD Group), and Françoise Lombard (CEO of Proparco), provides a structured framework for joint expertise sharing and project development across 17 countries in Africa and the Middle East where Orange operates, as well as Moldova and the French overseas departments.
Orange, a multi-service operator and key player in the digital transformation of the Africa-Middle East region, has established 16 Orange Digital Centers and 32 Orange Digital Center Clubs in partnership with universities. These centers offer free access to digital skills training, promote youth inclusion, and foster entrepreneurship. AFD supports public authorities, businesses, civil society, and innovative ecosystems in their transition towards a more open, accessible, and responsible digital landscape aligned with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Over the past two decades, Orange and AFD have collaborated on initiatives including telecom network deployment in Jordan and Senegal, youth digital skills training through Orange Foundations in Côte d’Ivoire, Guinea, Madagascar, and Tunisia, and coding programs at Orange Digital Centers in Jordan.
Christel Heydemann said, “This strategic partnership marks an important milestone. We look forward to strengthening international cooperation to build a more inclusive and sustainable digital future and to expanding access to digital technologies wherever we operate.”
Rémy Rioux added, “Digital technology is a powerful lever for transforming sectors like public services, education, health, and entrepreneurship. This partnership exemplifies our shared ambition to support sovereign digital services locally by investing in innovative, open, and responsible solutions.”
