As part of this multi-year partnership, Orange will use the EUTELSAT KONNECT satellite, which offers state-of-the-art broadband technology, to provide reliable and accessible Internet access. Initially, deployment will involve Jordan, Côte d’Ivoire, Senegal and the Democratic Republic of Congo, with the aim of gradually extending to all countries in the region.

By combining Orange’s expertise in telecommunications and Eutelsat’s technological innovation in the satellite sector, this partnership will make it possible to offer services tailored to both private individuals (B2C) and businesses (B2B), guaranteeing secure, reliable and high-performance connectivity. The complementary nature of the fixed, mobile and satellite technology offers will help to connect isolated territories and meet the growing need for Internet access in the region.

The partnership is based on cutting-edge solutions offering speeds of up to 100 Mbps, which, combined with Orange’s capabilities, will make it possible to:

• Cover white and rural areas,
• Provide services tailored to local conditions and the needs of individuals and businesses,
• Provide reliable and secure connectivity, in compliance with national regulations.

This proactive approach is part of a long-term vision to support digital development in all the areas where Orange is present, using the best technologies available, while respecting national frameworks and enhancing local ecosystems.

Jérôme Hénique, CEO of Orange Africa and Middle East, comments: “This partnership illustrates our commitment to connecting all territories and bridging the digital divide in Africa and the Middle East.

Today, Orange serves more than 160 million customers in the region, and is pursuing its ambition to provide digital access for all. Drawing on our expertise and local roots, we are positioning ourselves as a key player in supporting evolving customer expectations, while guaranteeing sustainable connectivity that respects local legislation.”

Michael Trabbia, CEO of Orange Wholesale, said: “I am delighted with this strategic partnership between the Orange Group and Eutelsat Group, which is part of a long-term relationship. It is part of our strategy to offer our customers the best satellite connectivity solutions in high and low orbit, complementing our terrestrial networks. Orange Wholesale’s satellite factory has all the expertise required to implement this strategy for all Orange Group entities. We also offer satellite operators the terrestrial connectivity solutions they need, such as teleports or long-distance fiber.”

Cyril Dujardin, President of the Connectivity Business Unit within the Eutelsat Group added: “Our satellite technology including GEO capacity, combined with Orange’s local footprint, brings connectivity where it’s needed most. Together, we’re creating a robust solution to accessibility challenges, providing reliable and affordable connectivity for consumers and businesses alike.”

Orange is already a reference customer of Eutelsat’s KONNECT VHTS satellite, which it uses to provide broadband services to its subscribers in France.

“Africa’s rapidly expanding economy has made it a target for cybercriminals looking to exploit weak points in the digital infrastructure of local businesses. Cyber threats are also evolving and adapting faster than ever – which means that businesses need to be able to upgrade their cybersecurity in real-time, to ensure their data and finances remain protected against the latest threats,” says Tony Anscombe, Chief Security Evangelist at ESET, a leading international cybersecurity company with a presence across the continent.

As technology progresses, support for older systems, including patches and updates, dwindles. This means that legacy systems may not be able to accommodate modern technologies and new security best practices – including multi-factor authentication and encryptions. As a result, vulnerabilities in older software and hardware remain unaddressed, leaving gaps in the defense framework and making them prime targets for cyberattacks. This can also lead to non-compliance, resulting in legal issues and hefty fines.

“If a data breach occurs, it will impact operational continuity and damage the brand’s reputation far more than the downtime needed to upgrade their systems. Recognizing that outdated solutions could cost them more in the long run, businesses are switching over to cloud-based solutions,” says Anscombe.

Cloud-based cybersecurity systems host digital defences outside of a business’s internal network, providing a ‘protective layer’ that blocks threats before they can reach critical infrastructure. By nature of being hosted on the cloud, these digital solutions offer greater cost flexibility and opportunity to scale (up or down), compared to hardware-bound legacy systems – both of which are key considerations when it comes to Africa’s thriving start-up ecosystem.

These solutions also make use of the latest technologies – for example, leveraging artificial intelligence and machine learning to continuously monitor digital infrastructure. This means they can detect and respond to cyber threats, including zero-day attacks (previously unknown vulnerabilities), much earlier than conventional methods. Cloud-based solutions also learn and share information about emerging threats detected in other regions, integrating the information in real time and adjusting detection models so they are always prepared.

A further element of flexibility offered by cloud-based solutions is having more options to choose from; “Since cloud-based operations can be deployed and serviced from anywhere, businesses can look beyond their immediate physical borders when it comes to choosing a provider. This means being able to select a provider based on best-fit, instead of closest-to-the-office,” says Anscombe.

The demand for cloud computing services in Africa is growing between 25% and 30% annually, according to data firm Xalam Analytics. This is based on an understanding that cloud-based solutions enable African businesses to compete globally, without the financial strain of upfront investment and ongoing maintenance of expensive IT infrastructure. Applying the same school of thought to cybersecurity is the first step in building a resilient, digitally secure business in an age of ever-developing cybercrime.