Solar Coverage Boost in DRC: Orange, Vodacom Partner

Achieving Solar Coverage Boost in DRC: Orange, Vodacom Partner

Telecommunications giants Orange and Vodacom have unveiled a landmark joint venture aimed at transforming digital access in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Through a pioneering partnership, the two companies will build, own, and operate up to 2,000 solar-powered mobile base stations, targeting underserved rural communities and potentially connecting as many as 19 million people to vital communication and financial services.

This initiative, announced on January 14, 2025, represents what Vodacom describes as Africa’s first rural towerco partnership of its kind. It directly addresses the significant connectivity gap in a country where mobile internet penetration currently hovers around 32.3%. By extending 2G and 4G network coverage, the project is set to provide reliable voice, data, and mobile money services, fostering unprecedented digital inclusion.

Shameel Joosub, CEO of Vodacom Group, emphasized the project’s alignment with the company’s broader mission. “We have the opportunity to contribute to the continent’s socio-economic development by building a digital society and fostering inclusivity,” he stated. “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.”

Strategic Rollout and Shared Infrastructure

The six-year deployment plan will commence with an initial phase of 1,000 towers, with the first site expected to become operational this year. A second phase will see the construction of an additional 1,000 towers. A key feature of this venture is its shared infrastructure model. Under a 20-year agreement, the towers will be operator-agnostic, allowing multiple carriers to utilize the network. Orange and Vodacom will act as the anchor tenants, sharing both active and passive equipment to maximize efficiency and reach.

This collaborative approach is designed to accelerate network expansion while optimizing costs, creating a sustainable framework for bringing connectivity to regions that have historically been difficult and expensive to serve. The model sets a precedent for future infrastructure projects across the continent.

Sustainability and Socio-Economic Impact

The partnership places a strong emphasis on environmental responsibility by leveraging clean solar energy to power the base stations. This not only reduces the project’s carbon footprint but also ensures a reliable power source in off-grid locations.

Jérôme Hénique, CEO of Orange Middle East and Africa, highlighted this dual benefit. “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 minimising our environmental footprint,” he said. By bridging the digital divide, the initiative will unlock access to essential resources, including education, healthcare, and economic opportunities, driving significant socio-economic progress for millions in the DRC.

Sources

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