Orange opened its IoT digital platform to energy suppliers in Africa and the Middle East that tracks payment, solar kits and smart meters in rural locations, in a bid to boost uptake of its services and electricity in emerging markets.
The IoT digital platform is Orange Smart Energies and it provides suppliers with the ability to track equipment and aids against profitability challenges by “reducing non-payment” from energy customers.
Orange’s mobile finance platform Orange Money is used by Orange Energies to take payments. Orange Energies was launched in 2017 and is currently used by 300,000 households across 12 markets, predominantly in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Orange Middle East and Africa CEO, Jerome Henique, said: “Using digital technology to improve the energy inclusion of African people has been our ambition since day one. By opening up our Orange Smart Energies platform to all energy producers, we are taking a major step forward in our commitment to universal access to energy in Africa and the Middle East."
Orange Energies for Africa and the Middle East SVP, Nat-Sy Missamou, added: "We are working with energy producers to help them sustain their business in African markets. Leveraging existing digital and financial inclusion solutions, our pay-as-you-go service is delivered through a distribution model tailored to African markets."