Orange Middle East and Africa and Digital Africa have signed a partnership aimed at promoting the growth of start-ups in Africa.
According to a statement seen by Emerging Brand Africa, both entities will work together in an endeavor to unlock the potential of Africa through tech innovations.
Orange Middle East and Africa CEO Jerome Henique and his Digital Africa counterpart, Isadora Bigourdan, signed the agreement during the Vivatech 2023 summit in Paris, France.
The partnership will see both entities leverage the expertise and resources available at Digital Africa and the Orange Digital Centers, a subsidiary of Orange with a focus on tech start-ups in Europe, Middle East and Africa.
Orange Digital Centers and Digital Africa have previously rolled out successful programs targeting the growth of startups.
As such, the two entities affirmed their enthusiasm for the program terming it a shared commitment.
Supporting Africa’s digital talent
Bigourdan welcomed the partnership and emphasized the need to support digital talent which he described as key to transforming the African continent.
“This partnership with the Orange Digital Centers aligns with our strategy for identifying promising entrepreneurs locally and helping them to access support, funding, and lobbying tools through an international network of allies,” the Digital Africa CEO noted.
On his part, Orange Middle East and Africa CEO, Jerome Henique underscored the importance of the collaboration with Digital Africa.
“It is an essential component to our existing Orange Digital Centers network, facilitating access to flexible financing solutions specifically designed to meet the needs of seed-stage entrepreneurs,” he stated.
According to him, the new alliance represents real-added value and will help to stimulate growth in the African startup ecosystem.
To execute the goals set under the partnership, Orange and Digital Africa will select promising tech startups across the continent and thereafter enroll them in programs offering mentorship, training and funding opportunities.