Orange offers Expertise to bolster the Progress of new Digital Services in Africa

By Abdul Rahman Bangura–

Photo Credit: Twitter

NEW AFRICA BUSINESS NEWS (NABN) Freetown, Sierra Leone- Innovative solar solutions are at the forefront of Orange’s initiative to avoid using generators that run on fossil fuels that emit CO2. This is in-line with their goal to reduce the organization’s carbon footprint to zero by 2040.

Orange – a multi-service telecoms operator, bestows its expertise to assist the growth of new digital services in Africa and the Middle East. But, across the region, several of the company’s stations are not connected to the electricity grid and when they are, the quality of the grid often needs alternative backup remedies.

In a bid to stave off the use of generators that run on fuel, Orange is establishing in place numerous endeavors such as solar panels. In some of its subsidiaries, Orange is deploying inventive solar solutions and the latest generation batteries with partners specializing in energy. To decrease its environmental footprint, the Group is placing itself in these countries as the biggest deplorer 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 and Middle Eastern countries where Orange is present, like Liberia, where 75% of Orange’s telecom sites are equipped with solar panels. In total, Orange has inducted solar panels at 5,400 of its telecom sites (some 100% solar, others hybrid) saving 55 million liters of fuel each year.

Similarly, in Jordan, Orange has undertaken three solar farms to swap to clean and renewable energy enabling to ameliorate its carbon footprint. Last year, these solar farm projects encircled over 65% of Orange Jordan’s energy needs. Since 2018, the corporation has successfully lowered its CO2 emissions by 45 kilotons.

Chief Executive Officer of Orange Middle East and Africa – Alioune Ndiaye says: “We are proud to be the first company by number of solar panels in 5 countries in Africa and the Middle East. 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.”

For New Africa Business News (NABN) Abdul Rahman Bangura Reports,  Africa Correspondent