Orange is accelerating its solar projects in the Middle East and Africa (MEA) to reduce its carbon footprint to zero by 2040.

Across the entire region, many sites are still not connected to the electricity grid. Thus, to avoid using generators that run on fuel, Orange is putting in place several initiatives such as solar panels. Aiming to reduce its environmental footprint, the Group is positioning itself as the biggest deployer of solar panels in these countries. Furthermore, it already has a renewable energy use rate at over 50% for Orange Guinea, 41% for Orange Madagascar, and 40% for Orange Sierra Leone. 

Hence, innovative solar panel solutions will soon be deployed in other countries in MEA where Orange has operations. At present, in Liberia, 75% of Orange's telecom sites are equipped with solar panels. Overall, Orange claimed successful solar panel installation at over 5,000 telecom sites, saving 55 million liters of fuel each year.

In Jordan, Orange has already launched three solar farms, switching to clean and renewable energy for a reduced carbon footprint. These solar farm projects covered over 65% of Orange Jordan’s energy needs in 2020. Since 2018, the company has successfully reduced its carbon dioxide emissions by 45 kilotons due to this solar infrastructure.

Alioune Ndiaye, CEO of Orange Middle East and Africa, said: “We are proud to be the first company with a number of solar panels in 5 countries in Africa and the Middle East. As a stakeholder in the energy transition, Orange has included in its Engage 2025 strategic plan the objective of meeting 50% of the Group’s electricity needs from renewable sources by 2025. We are aiming for net-zero carbon by 2040."