Orange Mali Raises $92.5 Million to Speed Up Digital Access Expansion

Orange Mali has just raised $92.5 million to speed up digital access in the country. This funding will help the company grow its mobile and broadband networks, bringing better internet and connectivity to more people across Mali.

The big part of this money, $57.8 million, comes from the International Finance Corporation (IFC), while an extra $34.7 million was raised from the West African Development Bank. Together, this cash will boost Orange Mali’s efforts to build new infrastructure for faster and wider digital coverage.

This move supports Mali’s National Policy for the Development of the Digital Economy running from 2024 to 2028. The government’s plan is all about using digital technology to help the economy grow, improve public services, and make life better for its people.

Half of the funds will go to building 300 new 4G sites, with 150 of those planned in rural areas where access to the internet is usually tough. Orange Mali is also planning to extend its fibre-optic network to connect around 300,000 homes and small businesses. This push aims to close the gap between urban and rural areas so more people can enjoy reliable digital services.

This funding is part of a larger partnership between IFC and Orange Middle East & Africa, which hopes to improve telecom infrastructure in eight countries across West and Central Africa. It’s a big project to bring better internet access to more people in the region.

Orange Mali also committed to some important goals as part of the deal. By 2032, the company plans for 70% of participants in its digital skills programs to be women, helping close the gender gap in tech. Plus, they’re going green by installing solar-powered systems at their sites. This will reduce the use of noisy, polluting diesel generators and cut over 8,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions every year.

Aboubakar Sadikhe Diop, CEO of Orange Mali, said, “This partnership shows how serious we are about digital inclusion. With IFC’s support, we’ll expand our network, make it more reliable, and help more Malians tap into all the benefits the digital economy offers.”

Fatoumata Sissoko-Sy, IFC’s regional infrastructure manager for West Africa, added, “Expanding digital access is crucial for Mali’s social and economic growth. This project also shows how smart tools like social loans and local-currency financing can drive inclusive progress in emerging markets.”

Orange Mali raises $92.5 million to speed up digital access

Orange Mali raises millions to speed up digital access in a way that will reach more people, especially those in rural areas, while also supporting important social and environmental goals. This is a big step towards making Mali more connected and ready for the digital future.

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