18 June 2021

Orange is accelerating its solar projects in Africa to reduce its carbon footprint to zero by 2040.

Across the entire region, many sites are not connected to the electricity grid and when they are, the quality of the grid often requires alternative backup solutions. To avoid using generators that use fossil fuels (ones that emit CO2), Orange said it is putting in place several initiatives such as solar panels.

In several of its subsidiaries, Orange is deploying innovative solar solutions and the latest generation batteries with partners specialising in energy. To reduce its environmental footprint, the French multinational is positioning itself in these countries as the biggest deployer of solar panels, with a renewable energy use rate already at over 50% for Orange Guinea, 41% for Orange Madagascar and 40% for Orange Sierra Leone.

These solar panel solutions have also been or will soon be deployed in other African countries where Orange is present, like Liberia, where 75% of Orange’s telecom sites are equipped with solar panels. In total, Orange has installed solar panels at 5,400 of its telecom sites (some 100% solar, others hybrid) saving 55 million litres of fuel annually.

“We are proud to be the first company by number of solar panels in five countries in Africa and the Middle East,” said Alioune Ndiaye, chief executive officer of Orange Middle East and Africa. As a stakeholder in the energy transition, Orange has included in its Engage 2025 strategic plan the objective of meeting 50% of the Group’s electricity needs from renewable sources by 2025. We are aiming for net zero carbon by 2040.”

Orange is present in 18 countries in Africa and the Middle East and has around 130 million customers as at March 31, 2021. With €5.8bn in turnover in 2020, Orange MEA is the group’s main growth region. Orange Money, with its mobile-based money transfer and financial services offer is available in 17 countries and has 50 million customers.