Orange Telecom and Vodacom are partnering to expand solar coverage in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) by building solar-powered mobile base stations in underserved rural areas. The initiative aims to bring connectivity and mobile financial services to as many as 19 million people, marking a milestone for Africa’s telecommunications sector.
Solar Coverage: Extending Network Access to Rural DRC
France’s Orange Telecom has joined forces with Vodacom, South Africa’s largest mobile network operator, to enhance solar-powered cellular coverage in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This partnership marks a significant commitment from both companies to bring connectivity to underserved rural communities.
The collaboration will involve building, owning, and operating solar-powered mobile base stations in remote areas. Vodacom described it as Africa’s first rural towerco partnership of its kind, an initiative that extends telecommunications and mobile financial services to people living in less densely populated regions.
Currently, mobile Internet penetration in the DRC stands at 32.3%. Vodacom’s local operation serves more than 21 million customers, underscoring the potential impact of improved network access. Orange, which operates in several African countries, aims to leverage its experience to drive digital transformation in the region.
Shameel Joosub, CEO of Vodacom Group, highlighted the project’s significance. “We have the opportunity to contribute to the continent’s socio-economic development by building a digital society and fostering inclusivity. 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.”
Details of the Solar-Powered Initiative
Under the agreement, Orange and Vodacom will construct up to 2,000 solar-powered base stations over six years. The rollout will begin with an initial 1,000 sites, with plans to scale to an additional 1,000 towers. These base stations will support both 2G and 4G technologies.
The infrastructure will be operator-agnostic, enabling multiple carriers to share the towers. Orange and Vodacom will serve as anchor tenants, sharing both active and passive equipment under a 20-year agreement.
The first solar-powered base station is expected to be operational this year. This investment will provide voice, data, and mobile money services—an approach that not only improves connectivity but also drives financial inclusion in rural areas of the DRC.
Environmental and Economic Benefits
Jérôme Hénique, CEO of Orange Middle East and Africa, underscored the environmental advantages of the partnership. “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.
The partnership establishes a model for similar projects across Africa, highlighting how shared infrastructure can improve access while reducing costs. This collaboration reflects a mutual commitment to inclusivity and addressing the digital divide by extending connectivity in alignment with global goals for digital empowerment and sustainable growth.
The solar-powered towers will provide millions in the DRC with access to mobile financial services, helping bridge significant gaps in traditional banking. Enhanced connectivity will also bring rural communities closer to critical resources like education, healthcare, and economic opportunities, fostering socio-economic progress in underserved regions.
The partnership between Orange and Vodacom is poised to be a game-changer for connectivity in the DRC. By combining solar energy with shared infrastructure, the project addresses the dual goals of digital inclusion and environmental sustainability. This initiative not only strengthens telecommunications access but also serves as a model for expanding solar coverage in underserved regions across Africa, redefining how mobile networks can drive socio-economic progress in developing countries.