Orange CEO Yasser Shaker Reaffirms Commitment to Africa’s Digital Transformation at MWC Kigali 2025

At MWC Kigali 2025, Yasser Shaker, CEO of Orange Middle East and Africa,  reaffirmed the company’s strong commitment to driving Africa’s digital transformation through innovation, investment, and sustainable collaboration.

During the event, Shaker met with President Paul Kagame of Rwanda, alongside G6 leaders and the GSMA, in what he described as a defining moment for the continent’s digital future. The meeting emphasized the need for collective action among governments, telecom operators, and technology partners to accelerate connectivity and bridge the digital divide across Africa.

Taking the stage with Vivek Badrinath, Shaker highlighted Orange’s belief in innovation as the cornerstone of sustainable progress. He stressed the importance of continuous investment — not only in technology infrastructure but also in people, talent, and organizational culture. These efforts, he said, aim to build robust digital ecosystems capable of delivering lasting social and economic impact.

He also addressed the critical need for a level regulatory playing field to ensure fair competition and support inclusive digital growth. The discussions reflected Orange’s broader strategy to enable innovation while fostering equitable access to digital opportunities across its markets.

The day concluded with the Orange Social Venture Prize for Africa and the Middle East, which attracted more than 3,000 projects from 18 countries, showcasing the region’s creativity, resilience, and entrepreneurial spirit. The initiative celebrates startups and innovators using technology to solve pressing challenges in education, health, and financial inclusion.

In closing, Shaker expressed deep confidence in the continent’s potential, describing Africa’s people, energy, and optimism as powerful forces shaping a connected and prosperous future.