Orange Group CEO: Strategic Pivot to ‘Lead the Future’ Drives €40B Revenue and Digital Inclusion Across Africa
Morocco | Tamer Emam
Christel Heydemann, CEO of the global telecommunications giant Orange, affirmed that the Group’s success in hitting its “Lead the Future” strategic targets was built on a foundation of rigorous execution and leveraging the company’s core industrial strengths.
Speaking at a global press conference hosted by Orange in Casablanca, Heydemann noted that this operational pivot has rendered the firm more resilient, streamlined, and efficient. This transformation, she argued, provides a formidable competitive edge as the company embarks on an ambitious roadmap centered on technological innovation and digital sustainability.
Heydemann revealed that Group revenues surpassed the €40 billion threshold in 2025. She expressed a bullish outlook for future growth, particularly following the reintegration of the company’s joint venture in Spain—a move backed by a robust financial structure and healthy cash flows.
The CEO noted that Orange now serves a global customer base of more than 340 million, cementing its status as one of the world’s premier telecommunications operators. This reach, she emphasized, allows the company to outperform direct competitors across its diverse international footprint.
Central to this growth strategy is infrastructure. Heydemann underscored that Orange has channeled massive capital into mobile network evolution—spanning 2G through 5G—alongside a significant push into fiber optics. To date, Orange has successfully deployed fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) services to more than 100 million households globally. She cited Morocco as a flagship model for this rollout, noting that the company is continuing its expansion to facilitate comprehensive digital transformation.
Turning to the Middle East and Africa (MEA), Heydemann highlighted the Group’s balanced regional portfolio, where no single country accounts for more than 10% to 15% of total performance. This diversification, she said, bolsters business stability against localized market fluctuations. Regional revenues reached €8.4 billion, with Orange currently operating in 18 countries across the MEA zone. The company has already activated 5G services in seven of those markets, while its 4G coverage now spans its entire regional footprint.
Heydemann concluded by emphasizing the critical role of Orange Money, which currently counts 47 million monthly active users—a testament to the company’s influence in driving financial inclusion and digital fintech innovation. She also reaffirmed the Group’s commitment to corporate parity, noting that women now make up 36% of the Executive Committee. Orange, she maintained, remains dedicated to a meritocratic leadership model to ensure a sustainable and inclusive digital future.
