Orange Energies is broadening the reach of its Orange Smart Energies platform, offering prepaid access to energy through solar kits and smart meters to all energy producers across Africa. Launched in 2017, the Internet of Things (IoT) platform addresses profitability challenges by mitigating the risk of non-payment for energy providers.
The company ensures payment through mobile money, facilitating a business model that combines digital services and a distribution network to improve energy access in rural areas. The platform is unique in its support for both pay-as-you-go solar equipment and prepaid smart meters.
Jérôme Hénique, CEO of Orange Middle East and Africa, emphasized the company’s commitment to enhancing energy inclusion in the region. He stated, “By opening our Orange Smart Energies platform to all energy producers, we are advancing our mission of universal energy access in Africa and the Middle East.”
Nat-Sy Missamou, Senior Vice President of Orange Energies for Africa and the Middle East, highlighted the company’s collaboration with energy producers to sustain their businesses. He noted that leveraging digital and financial solutions allows their pay-as-you-go service to be effectively distributed in African markets.
According to Orange, half of the African population lacks electricity, and the platform aims to improve the efficiency of revenue collection for energy providers. Currently, Orange Smart Energies connects 300,000 households across 12 countries, including the Democratic Republic of Congo, Madagascar, Cameroon, Senegal, Côte d’Ivoire, Central African Republic, Burkina Faso, Mali, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Guinea, and Jordan. With this expansion, Orange hopes to further increase its footprint in the region.
