A collaborative 5G laboratory has been established by Orange in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, as part of efforts to train regional companies and related industries.

It serves as a precursor to the country's planned 5G rollout early the following year.

The lab includes interactive service and support options from partners of Orange, such as suppliers Huawei, Nokia, and ZTE.

Orange Ivory Coast CEO, Mamadou Bamba, stated that the laboratory reflects the company’s “historic commitment to digital inclusion”, with the presence of on-site industry specialists providing guidance for companies looking to use the facility, in turn deepening the “value in the local ecosystem”.

A 5G demonstration area has been established to seek out future innovations enabled by the technology.

The Ivory Coast site adds to Orange’s growing 5G laboratory portfolio, taking its total to 15 in the EMEA region.