(Ecofin Agency) - With this new investment, Orange Egypt stands poised to lead the country into its 5G era, reshaping digital access and transforming everyday life across Egypt.

Orange Egypt, a subsidiary of the French telecoms group Orange, has secured a major financing boost to accelerate its 5G rollout, further cementing its role at the heart of Egypt’s digital transformation. The financing package, announced May 28, includes a €39 million (approximately US$44 million) contribution from the EBRD and US$40 million (approximately €35.6 million) from Banque Misr’s Dubai branch, enabling Orange Egypt to secure the 5G license issued by the National Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (NTRA).

“We are proud to partner with Banque Misr and the EBRD in a move that underscores international confidence in Egypt’s economy and supports our vision for advancing the telecommunications sector. Through technologies such as 5G, we aim to enhance services in education, healthcare, and smart cities, bridging the digital divide and driving Egypt’s digital economy forward,” said Mohamed Sayed, Chief Financial Officer at Orange Egypt.

The upgrade will enhance the company’s mobile services, offering faster data upload and download speeds, lower latency, and improved network efficiency. The new 5G network promises to reshape how consumers and businesses engage with digital services. From enabling real-time remote learning and telemedicine to powering industrial automation and smart infrastructure, Orange Egypt’s enhanced network will play a pivotal role in unlocking new economic and social opportunities.

Importantly, the 5G technology also offers greater energy efficiency. Orange Egypt’s network upgrade is expected to cut CO₂ emissions by over 1.7 million tonnes per year, aligning with the company’s broader sustainability goals.

Jean- Marc Peterschmitt, EBRD’s Managing Director for the Corporate Sector, noted: “We are delighted to enable the upgrade of Orange Egypt’s mobile services and to partner with Banque Misr for this strategic investment. This project will strengthen Egypt’s digital infrastructure, contributing to improved internet connectivity for local consumers, businesses and the broader economy.”

The implications of Orange Egypt’s 5G rollout are far-reaching and timely, especially in light of regional trends. According to a 2023 GSMA Intelligence report, the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region is emerging as a global leader in 5G adoption. By 2030, half of all mobile connections in the region are expected to be 5G.

This places Egypt at a crucial juncture: as regional peers rapidly scale up 5G infrastructure, Orange Egypt’s investment ensures the country remains competitive, both technologically and economically. For businesses, it opens up new frontiers in IoT deployment, cloud computing, and automation, while for consumers, it promises more reliable, faster, and energy-efficient connectivity.

Hikmatu Bilali