Multinational telecommunications corporation Orange has recorded quarter-over-quarter revenue and subscriber growth in Middle East and Africa (MEA) according to its 3rd quarter financial results. The telco registered a 3.1% increase in revenue during the third quarter of 2017 across MEA, adding to the 2.7% it achieved during the second quarter.

Stéphane Richard, Chairman and CEO of the Orange Group says the 3rd quarter results demonstrate good momentum at Orange overall.

It amassed €10.3bn in revenue for the third quarter.

"... the return to growth in Africa & the Middle East, completed a positive picture for Orange as a whole this quarter," said Richard.

Orange says revenue growth in Africa for Q3 was driven by Sonatel Group10 (primarily in Mali and Guinea), Côte d'Ivoire Group11 (primarily Burkina Faso) and Morocco. Egypt, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Cameroon also recorded an improvement in terms of commercial momentum and revenues, according to the results.

Richard also reveals that the Q3 performance has led the company to confirm its outlook for 2017.

Orange now has 126.7 million mobile customers in MEA as at 30 September 2017, which signifies a year-on-year increase of 5.2% on a comparable basis (+6.2 million customers) for the company. This growth also translated into mobile data services which rose by 38% in the third quarter of 2017.

Modernisation programme to continue

As part of its Q3 results, Orange also reveals that increases of investment in the form of further deployment of 4G will continue for its business across Africa, particularly in Morocco, Egypt, Côte d'Ivoire and Senegal.

The company has invested US$33 million in a modernisation and expansion plan for Sierra Leone where it conducted the official launch of its brand last week, more than a year after its 100% acquisition of Airtel Sierra Leone in July 2016 with its Senegal-based partner Sonatel.

Sekou Drame, CEO of Orange Sierra Leone says customers will enjoy lasting benefits from similar investments that enhance reliability, coverage and network quality.

"The launch of the Orange brand comes with a promise to meet the emerging needs of customers with innovative, affordable and relevant solutions that will empower consumers, giving them the freedom to do what they choose and provide them with the tools to meet life's daily challenges."