Orange, one of the biggest telecom companies in the world, and the French Development Agency (AFD) have announced a new strategic partnership to boost digital inclusion across Africa.

The deal was unveiled at the VivaTech conference in Paris, with the goal of helping African startups, students, and communities access more affordable, high-quality digital tools and infrastructure.

For many, this move could mean the difference between being left behind and becoming part of Africa’s rising digital economy.

One of the key areas of focus is digital education. The partnership will provide funding and resources to expand tech training centers, digital classrooms, and online learning programs in underserved communities.

These initiatives aim to teach young people vital skills like coding, app design, and digital marketing skills that are already driving the global economy. In rural areas, mobile-based courses will help reach learners who have never had a chance to enter a traditional classroom.

For African startups, this partnership is a potential game-changer. Many new businesses struggle to get off the ground because of poor internet infrastructure, a lack of mentorship, and difficulty attracting funding.

Orange and AFD plan to offer business development support, mentorship from tech experts, and affordable connectivity packages so startups can launch and grow more quickly.

Additionally, the partnership aims to support local governments in creating policies that promote innovation, digital rights, and cybersecurity.

This way, the growth of Africa’s tech space is guided by local needs and not just external interests. By building strong digital ecosystems, the partnership hopes to encourage long-term, home-grown innovation.