Orange and Vodacom have announced the creation of a joint venture aimed at improving mobile network access in rural areas of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
The unprecedented partnership between Orange and Vodacom in Africa will enable the deployment of solar-powered mobile base stations to serve remote and sparsely populated regions.
Through this investment, the two companies aim to provide network coverage to 19 million people while promoting access to mobile telecommunications and financial services. The project is part of a broader initiative to bridge the digital divide and promote inclusive economic growth.
“With over 210 million customers in Africa, we have the opportunity to contribute significantly to the socio-economic development of the continent, particularly by fostering a digital society and inclusivity for all. This partnership with Orange, aligned with our commitment to a better future, marks a key milestone in our effort to connect underserved regions of the DRC,” said Vodacom Group CEO Shameel Joosub.
Developing and operating networks in remote regions of the DRC poses a significant challenge. To address this, the project includes plans to build 2,000 solar-powered base stations equipped with 2G and 4G technology over six years.
The first phase of the agreement involves 1,000 sites, with the potential for an additional 1,000 towers depending on the success of the initial phase.
The finalization of this initiative is subject to approval by administrative, regulatory, and competition authorities.
In addition to improving network coverage, this investment will offer consumers access to voice, data, and mobile payment services. The first station is expected to become operational in 2025. Vodacom and Orange will share both active and passive infrastructure owned by the joint venture as primary tenants for an initial period of 20 years.
The joint venture will also make its passive infrastructure available to any interested mobile operator, when technically feasible, to maximize usage and provide a wider range of options for the population.
“Our historical presence in Africa and more than a decade of experience in the DRC give us a deep understanding of the market and customer needs. Our collaboration with Vodacom through the sharing of passive and active infrastructure is the best approach to fulfill our promises: accelerating access to connectivity for everyone, including rural areas, while limiting our environmental impact,” said Jérôme Hénique, CEO of Orange Africa and Middle East.
