On the occasion of AfricaCom, Orange presents its latest innovations to democratize access to smartphones, promote e-education and support the ecosystem of start-ups
Democratize access to digital
In the field of telephony as in many others, Africa has jumped a technological step by moving directly to the mobile. The outlook for the smartphone market is exponential. It is estimated that at least 660 million Africans (as against 336
million in 2016) should be equipped with a smartphone by 2021. This breakthrough can be explained by several factors, in which Orange is fully mobilized: the development of mobile payment (via the Orange Money service), mobile internet coverage which is growing strongly (14 Orange countries in 4G) and more affordable prices to ensure accessibility to the greatest number.
On this last point, Orange is still innovating by joining forces with KaiOS Technologies to democratize digital access in Africa. In early 2019, Orange’s African customers will have access to a new category of smart phones running KaiOS Technologies’ KaiOS operating system, which creates an emerging ecosystem of digital products and services at a very attractive price. Customers can use the Google Digital Assistant – The Google Assistant – in French, English and Arabic to help them overcome language and literacy barriers. The first product to be launched will be a 3G “smart feature phone”, followed by a 4G version later in the year. These new phones will provide access to applications such as Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, Google Search, Google Maps and Google Assistant. These smartphones will have advanced features similar to those of a smartphone at an affordable price. This offer will be available in almost every country where the Group is present.
Quality online courses accessible to everyone everywhere
Of all the digital revolutions, that of e-learning is undoubtedly one of the most structuring for Africa. Online education will train millions of
the continent needs to take control of its development.
Orange, through its “African Digital School” program, aims to mobilize its infrastructures, access and expertise to help Africa meet the challenge of training young people, especially in digital professions.
The first partners of this program are major French institutions, such as the CNED and the University Institutes of Technology, and the OpenClassrooms start-up for
computer courses.
Today, Orange announces a new partnership with the Virtual University of Tunis, world pioneer of online education that offers digital courses to all Tunisian students for more than 10 years. This partnership aims to promote access to their courses and training in countries in Africa where Orange is present. A similar partnership will be signed in December with the Virtual University of Senegal, another African reference for online training.
Identify, support and support African start-ups
For the 8th consecutive year Orange will present at the AfricaCom Awards evening, its “Orange Award for Social Entrepreneurship in Africa and the Middle East”. This contest aims to
objective to reward the best projects of African start-ups that improve the living conditions of local populations through digital technology in areas such as education, health, agriculture, mobile payment or the sustainable development.
The competition, which takes place in two stages, was held in 17 countries where Orange is present. As a first step, out of 1,304 applications received, 49 innovative projects came out
winners and winners in the country concerned. Then 10 projects were selected and presented to an international jury composed of professionals, investors and
institutions.
It is Wednesday, November 14 that will be announced the 3 winners of this edition 2018. The winners will have rights to endowments and support to develop their projects. The special prize content, 4th international winner, will be unveiled at the same time.
To discover the projects rewarded this year: social entrepreneur 2018
Orange is present in 20 countries in Africa and the Middle East and has 119 million customers (in Q3 2018). With € 5 billion in revenue in 2017, this area is a strategic priority for the Group. Orange Money, its money transfer and mobile money service available in 17 countries, has 40.2 million customers.
Orange, multi-service operator, reference partner for digital transformation brings its know-how to support the development of new digital services in Africa and the Middle East.
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