Morocco | Tamer Emam
Yasser Shaker, CEO of Orange Middle East and Africa, has unveiled an ambitious investment roadmap that will see the telecommunications giant commit approximately €5 billion over the next three years toward infrastructure development and digital innovation.
Speaking at a global summit in Morocco, Shaker emphasized that these investments are designed to bolster access to high-speed internet and bridge the persistent digital divide in several nations. The initiative, he noted, is a critical step toward ensuring equal opportunity in accessing essential digital services.
The strategic plan includes the deployment of more than 15,000 new sites in rural and remote areas to enhance coverage, alongside a commitment to doubling current investments in fiber-optic networks. Shaker confirmed that Orange aims to add roughly 40 million new internet users via 4G and 5G networks over the next three years, a move expected to accelerate digital transformation across the region at an unprecedented pace.
The CEO highlighted the direct correlation between mobile service penetration and local economic vitality. Shaker pointed out that every 10% increase in service penetration translates to approximately 2% growth in GDP—a rate that outpaces global averages. This, he argued, underscores the telecommunications sector’s role as a primary engine for socio-economic growth in the Middle East and Africa, regions characterized by their vibrant, youthful demographics.
However, Shaker acknowledged that the challenge extends beyond mere coverage. Affordability remains a significant hurdle, particularly as the rising cost of smartphones bars large segments of the population from going online. To combat this, Shaker affirmed that Orange is working through an integrated ecosystem—including supply partners and distribution networks—to provide innovative financing and hardware solutions that facilitate device ownership, thereby enhancing digital inclusion and access to educational and public services.
Shaker concluded by noting that this capital injection will further support the integration of Artificial Intelligence into network development and operational processes, with a specific focus on supporting local languages to streamline the user experience. He reaffirmed Orange’s commitment to building a robust, crisis-resilient infrastructure, reinforcing the confidence of both customers and employees in the company’s ability to lead the future of the regional ICT sector.
