The International Finance Corporation (IFC) has granted a US$92.5 million loan to Orange Mali to enhance mobile and broadband infrastructure and promote digital inclusion in the nation’s evolving digital economy.
Of the total investment, US$57.8 million is sourced directly from the IFC, with an additional US$34.7 million from the West African Development Bank. This funding aligns with the Malian government’s National Policy for the Development of the Digital Economy (2024-2028), a strategic initiative designed to harness digital transformation for sustainable economic advancement, modernisation of public services, and enhancement of citizens’ quality of life.
A significant portion of the investment will be allocated to establishing 300 new 4G sites, with half to be installed in rural regions. Additionally, Orange Mali plans to expand its fibre-optic network, aiming to connect approximately 300,000 households and small to medium-sized enterprises, thereby bridging the digital gap in underprivileged areas.
This financing is part of a larger collaboration between IFC and Orange Middle East & Africa, which seeks to roll out telecom infrastructure across eight nations in West and Central Africa.
As part of the agreement, Orange Mali has committed to ensuring that 70% of participants in its digital skills programs will be women by 2032. Furthermore, the company plans to install solar-powered systems across its network sites, reducing reliance on diesel generators and significantly cutting annual carbon dioxide emissions by over 8,000 tonnes.
“This partnership underscores our commitment to fostering digital inclusion. With the backing of IFC, we will broaden our network coverage, enhance resilience, and ensure that a greater number of Malians can harness the benefits offered by the digital economy,” stated Aboubakar Sadikhe Diop, CEO of Orange Mali.
“Improving digital access is crucial for Mali’s social and economic development, and it highlights how innovative financial mechanisms like social loans and local-currency financing can facilitate inclusive growth in emerging markets,” remarked Fatoumata Sissoko-Sy, IFC’s regional infrastructure manager for West Africa.
