Morocco | Tamer Emam
Yasser Shaker, CEO of Orange Middle East and Africa and Chairman of Orange Egypt, affirmed that the company has placed financial inclusion at the heart of its growth strategy, citing that approximately 45% of the region’s population remains unbanked.
Speaking at a global summit hosted by Orange in Morocco, Shaker noted that this gap represents a massive opportunity for the growth of digital financial services. This potential, he argued, is being realized through Orange Money, which has evolved into a vital pillar of daily life for millions of users across the region.
Shaker revealed that Orange aims to add approximately 20 million new users to its mobile money services Orange Money in the coming period. This is part of an ambitious roadmap to attract 50 million users to the company’s diverse digital applications, led by its flagship “super-app,” Max it.
The CEO indicated that this expansion will hinge on driving innovation and delivering sophisticated financial solutions, including transfers, payments, and simplified banking services—tools designed to empower individuals and support small-scale entrepreneurship. Shaker emphasized that protecting users and securing their financial data remains a top priority, particularly as cyber threats escalate alongside rapid digital transformation. He confirmed that the company is investing heavily in cybersecurity systems to ensure transaction confidentiality, noting that building trust in digital financial services is the primary key to increasing adoption and achieving true financial inclusion.
Beyond connectivity and finance, Shaker noted that Orange is diversifying into new sectors such as Orange Energy, alongside corporate social responsibility initiatives aimed at improving quality of life. The company, he explained, seeks to utilize technology as a developmental tool, providing smart solutions that enhance energy efficiency and deliver essential services to communities lacking traditional infrastructure.
Shaker concluded by emphasizing that Orange’s expansive footprint in Africa and Jordan grants it the capacity to drive tangible economic and social impact. He reaffirmed the company’s commitment to solidifying its position as an innovation leader, with a focus on youth support and training to ensure that the region’s digital future remains inclusive and accessible to all.
