The consolidation of the operations of Orange and Tigo in the DRC is said to enable Orange to bolster its presence in the country.
“We are extremely happy to announce the completion of the acquisition of Tigo by Orange DRC in a market marked by very strong growth potential," said Bruno Mettling, chief executive officer of Orange in charge of operations in Africa and the Middle East.
"Through this strategic investment, Orange confirms its ambition to reinforce its presence in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and accelerate the conditions in which it can develop its services through this consolidation.”
The acquisition is part of the operator’s development strategy in Africa. In February 2016, the operator signed an agreement to acquire Millicom's subsidiary in the DRC.
With a population of more than 80 million people and a low mobile penetration rate of 50% of the population, Orange believes the country offers "considerable growth potential".The DRC is presently the second largest mobile market in Central and West Africa after Nigeria.
