IFC, a global development institution focused on the private sector in emerging markets, has announced a partnership with operator Orange Mali to support the company in upgrading its infrastructure, expanding broadband coverage, and ensuring equal access to telecommunications services for all communities.

A particular focus is greater access to quality and affordable connectivity and digital financial services in Mali, especially in rural areas.

An €80 million loan (about US$92.6 million) from IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, and other investors will enable Orange Mali to install 300 new 4G towers and expand its fibre network to reach an estimated 300,000 households and smaller businesses in Mali. Half of the towers will be built in rural areas.

The financing package includes €50 million (about US$57.9 million) equivalent in local currency from IFC's own account and up to €30 million (US$34.7 million) that IFC has mobilised from development finance institution the West African Development Bank (BOAD). IFC's investment is supported by the World Bank Group's International Development Association (IDA) Private Sector Window, which provides longer-term financing in local currency that is not readily available in the market.

This investment is the first to come from a partnership signed by IFC and Orange Middle East and Africa (OMEA) at the Africa CEO Forum in Abidjan in May 2025. The partnership aims to roll out sustainable digital infrastructure projects across eight countries in West and Central Africa, expanding affordable connectivity and driving financial inclusion.

Structured as a social loan, IFC-led financing supports the deployment of mobile and fibre optic networks in areas at risk of digital exclusion. IFC’s investment also includes a provision under which Orange Mali will increase the proportion of women participating in its digital training programmes to 70% by 2032.

As part of the project, Orange Mali will replace its diesel generators with solar-powered systems, cutting more than 8,000 tons of carbon emissions annually.

The project also supports Mali’s Digital 2020 strategy and the World Bank Group’s Digital Economy for Africa Initiative, both of which leverage technology to create jobs and promote inclusion.

Orange Mali serves more than 12 million subscribers and is Mali’s leading telecommunications provider.