Sonatel Group, comprising Orange subsidiaries in Senegal, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Mali, and Sierra Leone, announced its consolidated financial results for the first quarter of 2026, demonstrating solid growth driven by rising demand for digital services.
Group revenue increased by 6.9% year-on-year to 504.2 billion CFA francs (approximately $904 million). Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) rose by 9.8% to 242.6 billion CFA francs, reflecting improved operational efficiency. Net profit grew by 4.5% to 113.8 billion CFA francs.
Performance during the quarter was supported by sustained demand for mobile data services, continued expansion of the Orange Money platform, and ongoing investment in network infrastructure. Capital expenditure increased by 11% year-on-year, reaching 83.4 billion CFA francs.
The Group recorded strong growth in key customer segments. Mobile internet subscribers rose by 8.3% to 22.6 million, while fixed broadband subscribers increased significantly by 21.8% to 1.1 million, supported by continued fiber network expansion. Orange Money users grew by 5.5% to 13.6 million, reflecting continued adoption of mobile money services across the Group’s markets.
Overall mobile subscribers declined slightly by 2.9% to 40.7 million, primarily due to stricter regulatory requirements related to customer identification. Sonatel Group reaffirmed its commitment to advancing digital transformation across West Africa through continued investment in network quality, expanded 4G and 5G coverage, and innovative services aimed at fostering inclusive economic growth.
The Group noted an increasingly competitive landscape across mobile data, mobile financial services, and fixed broadband markets. It also highlighted the growing presence of satellite service providers in the region, particularly in Senegal.
Additional challenges include rising energy costs and supply constraints linked to geopolitical tensions, as well as evolving regulatory frameworks across its operating markets. Despite these headwinds, Sonatel Group remains focused on strengthening its market leadership and delivering long-term value through strategic investments and customer-centric innovation.
About Sonatel Group
Sonatel Group is a leading telecommunications operator in West Africa, providing a wide range of digital services through its Orange-branded subsidiaries in Senegal, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Mali, and Sierra Leone.
