Orange Refurbished 164000 Internet Routers Across Africa and Middle East in 2025

Orange Africa and Middle East (OMEA) recently reported a significant milestone in its environmental strategy. During 2025, the operator successfully refurbished 164,000 internet routers across its service regions. This represents a 43% increase in volume compared to the previous year, demonstrating a shift toward a more circular business model for network hardware.

The initiative is part of a broader corporate push to manage electronic waste and reduce the environmental impact of its operations. Beyond routers, OMEA recovered 354,000 total devices and collected 209 tonnes of e-waste throughout the year. These efforts resulted in direct operational savings of 13 million euros, proving that infrastructure reuse is a financially sound strategy.

The process follows a specific lifecycle. The company collects used hardware, performs a technical diagnosis, and conducts repairs. Functional devices are then resold at reduced prices, which helps address the high cost of digital equipment for consumers. This is vital in regions where access to affordable technology remains a barrier to digital inclusion.

Local implementation varies by country. For example, subsidiaries in Morocco reported 1.5 million euros in savings through router refurbishment. Other regions like Burkina Faso and Egypt have established dedicated collection programs and local facilities to handle the growing volume of electronic waste. This transition to a circular economy is necessary as the global e-waste monitor estimates that less than 1% of the 3 million tonnes of e-waste generated in Africa in 2022 was officially recycled.