Vodacom and Orange have partnered to improve rural connectivity in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The companies will build, own, and operate 2,000 solar-powered mobile towers over six years. This project aims to extend network coverage to up to 19 million people in remote areas.
The partnership will deploy mobile base stations using 2G and 4G technologies. The companies plan to start with 1,000 towers before scaling up to another 1,000 sites. They are awaiting approval from regulatory authorities before beginning construction.
Bringing Change to Underserved Areas
The towers will provide voice, data, and mobile money services to rural communities. Vodacom and Orange will share active and passive equipment as anchor tenants for 20 years. The venture will also allow other mobile network operators to use the infrastructure where possible.
“Our longstanding presence in Africa, including over 10 years in the DRC, has equipped us with a deep understanding of the market and customer needs.
“Collaborating with Vodacom by sharing both passive and active infrastructure is the most effective approach to fulfilling our commitment to accelerating connectivity access for everyone, including rural areas, while minimizing our environmental footprint,” said Jérôme Hénique, Orange’s Middle East and Africa CEO.
The first base station will become operational in 2025. The investment aligns with the DRC’s National Digital Plan Horizon 2025, adopted in 2019. This plan promotes digital transformation to improve public services and boost economic growth.
Also Read: Stitch and Vodacom Join Forces to Improve VodaPay Wallet Top-Ups
Supporting Economic Growth and Inclusivity
The joint project also supports mobile internet penetration in the DRC, currently at 32.3%. Enhanced connectivity aims to foster e-citizenship, e-commerce, and job creation while contributing to the country’s GDP.
“With a footprint serving over 210 million customers across Africa, we have the opportunity to significantly contribute to the continent’s socio-economic development by building a digital society and fostering inclusivity for all.
“This aligns with our purpose to connect for a better future, and our partnership with Orange is a crucial step towards providing mobile coverage to people in previously underserved areas in the DRC,” said Shameel Joosub, Vodacom Group CEO.
This initiative underscores the companies’ commitment to bridging the digital divide and promoting equitable access to digital services across Africa.