In a region defined by rapid population growth and accelerating digital adoption, Orange Middle East and Africa has launched an ambitious new strategic plan aimed at deepening inclusion, expanding connectivity, and strengthening sustainable development.
The strategy, titled “Trust the Future” (2026–2030), positions the telecom giant as a key driver of economic and social transformation across more than 15 countries, where it currently serves over 150 million customers. With the region generating approximately €8 billion in revenue in 2025, it remains a critical growth engine for the Orange Group.
At its core, the plan is built on a simple but powerful premise: that trust, earned through reliable services, innovation, and social impact will define the next phase of digital evolution in Africa and the Middle East.
A Three-Pillar Strategy for Growth: Orange’s roadmap for the next five years is anchored on three strategic ambitions: customer intimacy, innovative growth, and operational excellence at scale.
Under its customer-focused approach, the company aims to strengthen relationships with users by delivering secure, inclusive, and reliable services tailored to evolving digital needs. This includes enhancing user experience and building long-term loyalty across both urban and rural markets.
The second pillar, innovative growth, reflects Orange’s push to expand its footprint in both consumer and business segments. This includes continued investment in 4G and 5G networks, as well as the development of digital ecosystems such as mobile financial services and integrated digital platforms.
Meanwhile, the focus on excellence at scale underscores the company’s commitment to efficiency, sustainability, and long-term impact. Through infrastructure expansion, energy solutions, and workforce development, Orange aims to build a resilient and future-ready digital ecosystem.
Connectivity as a Foundation: Connectivity remains central to Orange’s vision. The company has already achieved widespread 4G coverage across its markets, with nearly 100 million users now connected to its high-speed network. In addition, 5G services are operational in seven African countries, with further rollouts underway.
These advancements are supported by significant investments in infrastructure. Orange allocates over €1 billion annually to network expansion, data centres, and international connectivity. Cross-border fibre networks stretching thousands of kilometres are enhancing regional integration and improving access to fast, affordable internet services.
Such investments are not only strengthening digital access but also enabling governments, businesses, and individuals to participate more actively in the digital economy.
Expanding Financial Inclusion: Beyond connectivity, Orange continues to play a transformative role in financial inclusion. Its flagship service, Orange Money, has grown into a vital financial tool, with 47 million active users across the region.
The platform allows users to send and receive money, pay bills, and conduct everyday transactions without relying on traditional banking systems an essential service in underserved and unbanked communities.
With demand for digital payments rising, the number of users is expected to surpass 60 million in the coming years. Complementing this is Max it, an all-in-one digital application that integrates telecommunications, financial services, and everyday digital tools.
With more than 20 million active users in 16 countries, the platform simplifies access to essential services and reflects a growing shift toward mobile-first digital ecosystems.
Investing in Youth and Innovation
Human capital development is a central pillar of the “Trust the Future” strategy. Since 2019, Orange has trained approximately 1.4 million young people through a network of 50 Digital Centers and partnerships with 167 universities.
These initiatives provide training in digital skills, entrepreneurship, and innovation, helping to bridge the gap between education and employment. To date, more than 450 startups have been supported through these programmes, while a significant portion of the company’s workforce has engaged in social impact initiatives.
With Africa and the Middle East home to one of the youngest populations globally, the demand for digital skills continues to grow. Orange aims to support over three million young people by the end of the decade, reinforcing its role as a catalyst for opportunity and innovation.
Sustainability and Energy Access
Orange is also expanding its impact beyond telecommunications through its energy solutions arm, which delivers clean and mobile-enabled electricity to households and small businesses, particularly in underserved areas.
Sustainability remains a guiding principle.
Currently, more than 30 percent of Orange’s network sites in the region are powered by solar energy a figure expected to rise as the company advances its environmental commitments.
Strengthening Regional Partnerships
In key markets such as Morocco, where Orange has operated for over two decades, the company continues to invest in infrastructure and digital capabilities, positioning the country as a strategic hub for regional connectivity.
Across all its markets, Orange emphasizes long-term partnerships as essential to achieving meaningful transformation. Its operations in Sierra Leone, for instance, are expected to play a growing role in expanding digital infrastructure, promoting financial inclusion, and supporting youth empowerment.
Building a Trusted Digital Future:
As digital transformation accelerates across Africa and the Middle East, Orange’s new strategy highlights the importance of trust as a competitive advantage.
For millions of users, the company notes, technology itself is often invisible what matters most is that connections are reliable, transactions are seamless, and essential services are accessible.
Through “Trust the Future,” Orange is not only expanding its technological footprint but also reinforcing its commitment to people, communities, and sustainable development.
In doing so, it aims to help shape a more connected, inclusive, and resilient future for the region.