Orange, a telecommunication operator, has announced a €75m equity investment in Africa Internet Group, the largest e-commerce platform in Africa and parent company of Jumia.

Stéphane Richard, Chairman and CEO of Orange, said: “We are particularly pleased to announce our entry into the capital of Africa Internet Group. With this strategic investment, Orange now has the capacity to play a leading role in the fast-growing e-commerce market in Africa.”

“This acquisition is combined with the signature of several important partnership agreements that will create value for all parties. In particular, across the 12 countries where we have a common presence, this investment will enable us to significantly develop our ability to market products and services developed by Orange Middle East & Africa over the Internet,” he said.

“This operation, initiated by our corporate investment fund Orange Digital Ventures, is fully aligned with our strategic plan, Essentiels2020, particularly with regards to our ambition to reinvent customer service, develop the digital channels and services offered to customers as well as our ambition to develop our activities in Africa and the Middle East,” he added.

Orange will become a shareholder of Africa Internet Group alongside existing shareholders MTN, Rocket Internet, Millicom, AXA and Goldman Sachs.

Herman Singh, MTN Group Chief Digital Officer, welcomed Orange as a shareholder: “We are delighted that this partnership gives Africa Internet Group greater support in territories where MTN does not operate. The investment also validates the proven business model and underscores MTN's focus on e-commerce as a strategic pillar of our digital business.”

The partnership with Orange will accelerate the growth of the company and seize development opportunities on the continent.

AIG provides easy-to-use services and smart solutions across the African internet sector.

AIG is the parent group of ten successful and fast-growing companies in more than 30 African countries.
Its network of companies includes Carmudi, Easy Taxi, Everjobs, hellofood, Jovago, Jumia, Kaymu, Lamudi, Vendito and Zando.

Sacha Poignonnec and Jeremy Hodara, Founders and Co-CEOs of Jumia and Africa Internet Group, said: “We are thrilled by Orange’s equity investment and are eager to translate our strategic partnership into unique offers for our customers. Jumia and our other online consumer services give millions of African consumers an opportunity to access and transact with local companies in a new and very convenient way.”

“With Orange’s support and expertise, combined with that of our existing long-standing shareholders, we will be able to further improve our service offerings and the customer experience while continuing to invest in our infrastructure,” they said.