Orange and Vodacom have collaborated to form a first-of-its-kind, rural towerco partnership. Through this partnership, the companies will build, own, and operate solar-powered mobile base stations in underserved areas of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
The extended network coverage will enable access to telecommunications and mobile financial services for up to 19 million people in less densely populated rural communities, reinforcing both entities’ commitment to bridging the digital divide and driving inclusive growth.
“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," noted Shameel Joosub, CEO of Vodacom Group.
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Addressing DRC’s Rural Divide
Deploying and operating networks, particularly in deep rural areas, remains a significant challenge in the DRC. To bridge the digital divide and expand network coverage in underserved communities, the companies have pledged to jointly construct up to 2,000 new, solar-powered base stations over six years, using 2G and 4G technologies. This agreement will commence with an initial commitment of 1,000 sites, after which Orange and Vodacom may scale the project by a further 1,000 towers. The completion of this joint venture remains subject to the approval of administrative, regulatory, and competition authorities.
Beyond enhanced population coverage, this combined investment will enable consumers to
access voice, data, and mobile money services. With the first base station expected to start
operating in 2025, Orange and Vodacom will be sharing active and passive equipment owned by the joint venture as anchor tenants for an initial term of 20 years. The joint venture will offer its passive infrastructure to any MNO interested wherever technically feasible to increase usage and promote a wider range of options for the population.
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Market-Aware Approach
“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,” added Orange Middle East and Africa CEO, Jérôme Hénique.
Mobile internet penetration in the DRC is currently sitting at 32.3% and Orange and Vodacom's
announcement to construct new base stations in the country aligns with the country's new
vision for the digital economy as included in the National Digital Plan Horizon 2025 adopted in 2019. The plan aims to foster digital transformation across various sectors, leading to improved public services, enhanced economic growth, and equitable access to digital services for all citizens. This initiative emphasizes e-citizenship, e-governance, and e-commerce and is expected to contribute to job creation, bridge the digital divide, and boost the country's GDP.
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