Orange Middle East and Africa (OMEA) and risingSUD have partnered to support the establishment and growth of African startups in Europe’s dynamic entrepreneurial ecosystem.
The agreement, signed by Jérôme Hénique, CEO of OMEA, and Bernard Kleynhoff, President of risingSUD, will enable startups from the Orange Digital Centre network to access resources and support from risingSUD, the economic development agency for the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region in the South of France.
The partnership is poised to create new avenues for African and Middle Eastern entrepreneurs to scale their ventures in Europe, starting in a region that already boasts over 500 000 companies and a vibrant innovation ecosystem.
“This partnership with risingSUD marks a key step in our ambition to promote African innovation internationally. It is a continuation of the support we offer startups through our Orange Digital Centres,” said Hénique.
Orange Digital Centres, present in 17 countries across Africa and the Middle East and eight in Europe, provide a free, all-in-one platform that offers digital skills training, startup incubation, project support, and financing.
In 2024 alone, risingSUD supported the establishment of 14 African companies in the South of France, including Guépard, a startup from the Orange Digital Centre in Tunisia, which opened an office in Marseille.
According to Hénique, this partnership will allow more startups from Africa and the Middle East to benefit from risingSUD's expertise, ranging from project development to access to financing and networking with international partners.
Kleynhoff underscored the region’s strategic role in promoting innovation and entrepreneurial journeys of African startups.
“Thanks to its strategic position, its historical trade flows and its commitment to innovation, the South of France is a natural bridge between Europe, Africa and the Middle East. It is now the leading French region for hosting African investment projects,” he said.
He underlined that the Orange and risingSUD collaboration stands out as a blueprint for sustainable international expansion, offering African startups a powerful platform to thrive on the global stage.
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