A partnership agreement to strengthen and accelerate support for African startups from Orange Digital Centers (ODC) was signed during the Vivatech show by Fayçal Adlouni, Managing Partner of Orange Ventures, and Grégoire de Padirac, CEO of Digital Africa. Asma Ennaifer, Executive Director CSR, communications and the Orange Digital Center program at Orange Africa and Middle East is delighted with this initiative which consolidates the strategic partnership concluded in June 2023 with Digital Africa aimed at facilitating the financing and support of startups from the ODC network.
This partnership is expressed through the commitment of Orange Ventures and Digital Africa to co-invest more in startups accelerated by the ODC network. Through the Fuzé system, it is now possible to double the funds committed by one of the two parties, through joint processing of application files as well as the possibility of joint financing. Orange Digital Center is an ecosystem deployed in 17 countries in Africa and the Middle East and 8 countries in Europe, which brings together in one place a set of free programs open to all, ranging from digital training for young people to the incubation and acceleration of startups through the support of project leaders and investment in them. It provides ongoing support across the entire startup lifecycle with the aim of boosting entrepreneurship and innovation in the region.
During the first year, five startups from the ODC network received funding of up to 50,000 euros per startup as part of the Digital Africa Fuzé program. Among these beneficiaries, three are based in Cameroon – Clinihome (Healthtech), Koree (Fintech) and Colorfol (cultural and creative industries) – while the other two are Senegalese: Tolbi (Agritech) and Proboutik (Fintech). These funds allow them to develop their activities significantly.
This new step involving Orange Ventures, the Orange group’s venture capital investment entity, reflects the desire of both structures to accelerate the growth of startups through a joint support system for African entrepreneurs seeking financing. . During the signing ceremony, representatives of Orange, OMEA and Digital Africa expressed their enthusiasm and commitment to the success of this new initiative.
Fayçal Adlouni, Managing Partner of Orange Ventures said: “The Orange group is fully committed to bringing out the future champions of the technology scene in Africa and the Middle East. This reinforced system, involving Orange Middle East and Africa, Orange Ventures and Digital Africa, will collectively allow us to concentrate our resources in order to create an environment conducive to the success of startups in Africa and the Middle East.
Asma Ennaifer, Executive Director CSR, communications and the Orange Digital Center program of Orange Africa and Middle East, added: “Orange Digital Centers are true catalysts for innovation where ideas take shape and dreams become reality. By joining forces with Orange Ventures and Digital Africa, we are empowering African startups to thrive and make their mark in a growing digital world. »
Grégoire de Padirac, CEO of Digital Africa declared: “I am delighted with this strengthened partnership with Orange with whom we share the same commitment to supporting African entrepreneurs from the first stages of maturity by providing them with a complete financing and support offer. »
Startups interested in this new initiative are invited to find out more on the websites ofOrange VenturesofOrange Digital Center, and of DigitalAfrica.
