• Orange Central Africa launched 4G mobile technology on May 15, following years of investment to modernize infrastructure and meet regulatory requirements. 

• The rollout aims to strengthen Orange's market position in a digitally underdeveloped but high-potential market, offering faster speeds for video calls, remote work, and online services.

• The 4G network is expected to support digital transformation, benefiting SMEs, professionals, and startups, while fostering innovation in education, healthcare, and mobile finance.

Orange's Central African Republic subsidiary officially rolled out its fourth-generation (4G) mobile technology on Thursday, May 15, marking a significant step for the telecom operator as it aims to solidify its position in a market with substantial untapped digital potential.

"This launch is the culmination of several years of investments, encompassing technical, human, and regulatory efforts. It represents a major milestone for advancing digital technology in our cherished nation," stated Max Francisco, General Manager of Orange Central Africa.

Faced with increasing strain on its 3G network, the Central African arm of the French telecommunications group initiated a series of investments in 2021 to upgrade its infrastructure and meet regulatory requirements. The new 4G service is currently operational in Bangui, Bouar, Berbérati, and Bossangoa, with plans to extend coverage to Bambari in the coming months.

Offering speeds up to ten times faster than 3G, 4G provides an enhanced experience for activities such as video conferencing, remote work, online gaming, and cloud-based services. To facilitate this transition, Orange has also launched a complimentary migration campaign to 4G-compatible SIM cards and enhanced its data packages.

The introduction of 4G is part of a public-private partnership agreement signed in November 2024 between Orange and the Central African government, through the Ministry of Digital Economy. This agreement is designed to accelerate the deployment of high-speed internet coverage nationwide, supporting the country's broader digital transformation agenda.

Market Poised for Expansion

The Central African Republic's telecommunications market is currently shared among Orange, Moov Africa, and Telecel. According to DataReportal's 2024 figures, the country has 2.1 million mobile phone subscribers and 839,000 internet users within an estimated population of 5.4 million. With an internet penetration rate of 15.5%, the nation presents a significant opportunity for growth in digital services.

In this environment, Orange views the deployment of 4G as a strategic tool to broaden its service offerings, attract new customer segments such as small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), students, and professionals, and foster the growth of digital adoption in a country actively pursuing modernization.

Furthermore, 4G has the potential to stimulate the development of new services in sectors like education, healthcare, mobile finance, and e-governance. It also presents a valuable opportunity for young entrepreneurs and local start-ups to create digital solutions tailored to the specific needs of the country.

By Samira Njoya,

Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji