The International Finance Corporation (IFC) has approved a loan of $92.5 million (€80 million) to Orange Mali to expand mobile and broadband infrastructure, and strengthen digital inclusion in the country’s digital economy.
According to IFC, it invested $57.8 million (€50 million), with additional backing of $34.7 million (€30 million) raised from the West African Development Bank.
The move comes as the Malian government is implementing the National Policy for the Development of the Digital Economy (2024-2028), a strategic plan aimed at leveraging digital transformation to foster sustainable economic growth, modernise public administration, and improve quality of life.
Half of the funding will go towards building 300 new 4G sites, with 150 sites planned for rural areas. In parallel to this, the telco will extend its fibre-optic network to reach an estimated 300,000 households and small and medium-enterprises, aiming to close the digital divide in underserved regions.
The parties highlighted that the injection comes as part of a wider IFC partnership with Orange Middle East & Africa, which aims to deploy telecoms infrastructure across eight countries in West and Central Africa.
As part of the deal, Orange has underlined that 70% of all participants in its digital skills programmes will be women by 2032. The operator will also install solar-powered systems at its sites, reducing dependence on diesel generators and cutting more than 8,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions each year.
“This partnership reinforces our commitment to digital inclusion. With IFC’s support, we will expand network coverage, strengthen resilience, and ensure that more Malians benefit from the opportunities of the digital economy,” said Aboubakar Sadikhe Diop, CEO of Orange Mali.
“Expanding digital access is an essential pillar of Mali’s social and economic development, it also underscores how innovative tools like social loans and local-currency financing can drive inclusive growth in frontier markets,” added Fatoumata Sissoko-Sy, IFC regional infrastructure manager for West Africa.
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