ATR
CAF Data Centre Industry Outlook
HSSR rebrand
Communications Africa

twitteryou tubeacpRSS Feed

Orange Ventures and Digital Africa enhance support for African startups through the Orange Digital Center network, boosting investments and fostering innovation. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

At Vivatech, a significant partnership was established between Fayçal Adlouni of Orange Ventures and Grégoire de Padirac from Digital Africa, aiming to enhance the growth and support of African startups within the Orange Digital Centers (ODC) network

Asma Ennaifer, executive director of CSR, communications and the Orange Digital Center program for Orange Africa and the Middle East, welcomed this collaboration, which builds upon the strategic alliance formed with Digital Africa in June 2023 to boost startup financing and assistance.

The alliance underscores the dedication of both Orange Ventures and Digital Africa to intensify their investment in startups nurtured by the ODC network. The Fuzé initiative now allows for the doubling of investments by either party, facilitated by a collaborative evaluation of applications and potential co-financing opportunities. The Orange Digital Center, present in 17 African and Middle Eastern countries and 8 European nations, consolidates various complimentary programs—from digital education for youth to startup incubation, acceleration, and leader support—under one roof, fostering entrepreneurship and innovation across the region.

In its inaugural year, the Fuzé program by Digital Africa granted up to €50,000 to five startups within the ODC network. Among these, three are Cameroonian—Clinihome in Healthtech, Koree in Fintech, and Colorfol in cultural and creative sectors—and two are Senegalese—Tolbi in Agritech and Proboutik in Fintech. This financial support is poised to significantly bolster their operations.

The involvement of Orange Ventures, the venture capital branch of the Orange Group, marks a pivotal advancement in the shared goal of propelling startup growth. This joint support framework for African entrepreneurs seeking funding was met with enthusiasm and a unified commitment to success by representatives from Orange, OMEA, and Digital Africa during the partnership signing event.

Fayçal Adlouni, managing partner, Orange Ventures,remarked, “The Orange Group is fully committed to nurturing the future champions of the technology scene in Africa and the Middle East. This arrangement, involving Orange Middle East and Africa, Orange Ventures and Digital Africa will collectively enable us to concentrate our resources to create an environment conducive to the success of startups in Africa and the Middle East.”

Asma Ennaifer, executive director of CSR, Communications and the Orange Digital Center program for Orange Middle East and Africa, added, “Orange Digital Centers are true catalysts for innovation, where ideas take shape and dreams become reality. By joining forces with Orange Ventures and Digital Africa, we're giving African startups the means to thrive and make their mark in a rapidly expanding digital world.”

Grégoire de Padirac, CEO of Digital Africa, said: “I am delighted by this partnership with Orange, with whom we share the same commitment to supporting African entrepreneurs from the earliest stages of maturity by providing them with a comprehensive range of financing and support services.”

Oil Review Africa
NEW interactive digital platform

Most Read

SES to acquire Intelsat in compelling transaction focused on the future. (Image source: SES)

In the MENA region, cybersecurity is crucial amidst rising digitalisation and state-sponsored cyber threats, met by BBS Technology's comprehensive solutions. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Sparkle and Arqit’s quantum-safe VPN PoC heralds a new era in secure global communication. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

(L-R): Dr Diane Karusisi, CEO, Bank of Kigali and Dr Reda Helal, group managing director – processing, Africa and co-head group processing, Network International. (Image source: Network International)

Avanti and Q-KON partner to launch LEO satellite services in South Africa, enhancing connectivity and business resilience. (Image source: Avant Communications)

AMN activates first base station with Starlink LEO backhaul, expanding rural connectivity in Nigeria and beyond. (Image source: AMN)

World Bank’s analysis reveals Djibouti’s digital economy potential and challenges, urging multi-sectoral collaboration for growth. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Paratus Group pioneers fastest fiber express route linking Johannesburg to Europe, revolutionising telecommunications with low latency and high-speed connectivity. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Vertiv launches Vertiv 360AI in EMEA, offering high-density power and cooling solutions to meet the demands of AI, from edge to data centers. (Image source: Vertiv)

Latest news

True hybrid networks integrate diverse connections into a seamless, unified network regardless of infrastructure. (Image source: Livewire Digital)

enza will leverage TerraPay’s extensive connectivity to over 2.1 billion mobile wallets globally. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

BII announces a U$20m loan to TerraPay to enhance low-cost, high-speed remittance transfers to Africa, promoting financial inclusion and economic opportunities. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Redington partners with Vertiv to empower African channel partners, leveraging Vertiv's critical infrastructure technology & Redington's extensive market reach. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Hotspot Network Limited and NIGCOMSAT partner to deploy cutting-edge satellite technology, bridging the digital divide in Nigeria's rural areas. (Image source: NIGCOMSAT)

Mastercard Ghana Fintech Forum advocates cybersecurity and contactless payments to drive fintech growth. (Image source: Mastercard)

Bayobab’s new license enhances digital transformation with improved connectivity through fibre, satellite, and radio technologies. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Kaspersky enhances incident response with digital forensics. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Orange inaugurates the Orange Digital Center in Guinea-Bissau, fostering digital skills and entrepreneurship for a sustainable future. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Huawei expands its LEAP initiative to train 150,000 talents in Sub-Saharan Africa by 2027, surpassing initial goals, promoting digital skills. (Image source: Huawei)

PAIX Data Centres expands Accra facility to 1.2 MW with a US$30M investment from Africa50, boosting connectivity and economic growth in Ghana. (Image source: Africa50)

Transforming Africa's digital economy: Data Centres powering growth, innovation, and sustainability in the digital era. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Ghana develops its national data strategy in collaboration with Smart Africa and Team Europe. (Image source: Smart Africa)

DBS and Mashreq partner to offer near-instant cross-border payments via DBS Globesend, enhancing convenience and security for customers in 190 markets. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

TelCables Southern Africa boosts its network capacity to 800 Gbps, enhancing flexibility and performance for ISPs, CDNs, and operators across Africa and beyond. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Africa Tech Festival

More Articles