risingSUD and Orange join forces to support African startups in France

On the occasion of the VIVA TECHNOLOGY trade show in Paris, Orange Africa and Middle East (OMEA), represented by its CEO Jérôme HENIQUE, and risingSUD, represented by its President Bernard KLEYNHOFF, signed a strategic partnership to support the establishment and growth of African startups from the Orange Digital Centers network in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region.

This three-year partnership aims to bring closer the innovation ecosystems of Africa, the Middle East, and Southern France. In practical terms, startups from the Orange Digital Centers network will benefit from tailored support from risingSUD’s teams to establish themselves in the South of France. They will thus join a dynamic region that already hosts 500,000 companies, including global leaders and startups shaping the future.

With this partnership, OMEA strengthens its support for the internationalization of startups from Africa and the Middle East and reaffirms its commitment to developing the continent’s entrepreneurial ecosystems. Present in 17 countries across Africa and the Middle East and 8 countries in Europe, the Orange Digital Centers network is a free and accessible ecosystem. It brings together in one place youth training in digital skills, project support, incubation, acceleration, and startup funding.

In 2024 alone, risingSUD supported the establishment of 14 African companies in the region, including Guépard, a startup from the Orange Digital Center in Tunisia, which opened an office in Marseille. This partnership will enable more startups from Africa and the Middle East to benefit from risingSUD’s expertise, from project development to access to funding, including networking with international partners. It will also facilitate access for talents and startups from the South of France to the Orange Digital Centers network.

Jérôme HENIQUE, CEO of Orange Africa and Middle East, stated:
"This partnership with risingSUD marks a key milestone in our ambition to promote African innovation on an international scale. It continues the support we provide to startups through our Orange Digital Centers. By facilitating their establishment and acceleration in France, particularly in the South region, we empower young African companies to accelerate their growth."

Bernard KLEYNHOFF, President of risingSUD and Regional Councillor, added:
"Thanks to its strategic position, historical trade flows, and commitment to innovation, the South region is a natural bridge between Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. Today, it is the leading French region for hosting African investment projects. This partnership opens up new economic opportunities and serves as a real springboard for business development on both sides of the Mediterranean."

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Contact risingSUD: Virginie VIAL-ISNARD, Media Relations Project Manager