Leading the Digital Revolution
Insights from Rym Sahnoun, Executive at Orange Business Morocco
In an era defined by rapid technological advancements and shifting market demands, Rym Sahnoun stands at the forefront of digital transformation. With over two decades of experience across diverse industries, Rym has spearheaded significant procurement and operational changes, positioning Orange Business as a key player in Morocco’s telecommunications landscape. In this interview, she shares her insights on the company’s strategic vision, the role of innovation in driving business efficiency, and the importance of sustainability in shaping a brighter future for both the organisation and its clients.
Career Journey
Can you share your career journey and what led you to your current role at Orange Business Morocco?
I am an Executive MBA graduate with a master’s degree in Telecom Engineering and have a proven track record of managing organisations across Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. I have led transformations while delivering operational excellence and promoting innovation to meet business requirements in an ever-changing environment. As a dynamic, results-driven, and entrepreneurialoriented leader, I bring over 20 years of international experience in building IT strategies, managing complex programs, and empowering and developing people.
In 2006, after gaining rich experience in innovative services, I was assigned the responsibility of a strategic program in the field of electronic payment. During this experience, I launched the Orange Money Service and the International Recharge Service, collaborating with many branches and partner operators while leading multidisciplinary teams and external providers in an international context. Later, I managed an International Center in Tunisia, specialised in developing high-value-added products and services for the Orange Group. I created this centre in 2011 following a benchmarking study between Tunisia and Morocco, and I successfully grew the centre to 150 highly qualified experts.
Recently, I was appointed Transformation Director of an Orange Operation Center in Abidjan to improve operational and economic performance as well as customer experience. Finally, as CEO of Orange Business Morocco, I focus on employees’ innovation and initiatives, creating value for customers, society, and the company.
Orange Business Morocco’s Strategic Vision
What is the strategic vision for Orange Business Morocco, and how do you aim to position the company as a leader in business-to-business services in the region?
Our vision is to be a unique, trusted partner for digital transformation, offering a range of services that enable businesses to improve connectivity, data management, security, and operational efficiency. At OB Morocco, we strive to empower businesses to harness the full potential of digital technologies and drive sustainable growth.
Digital Transformation in Morocco
How is Orange Business Morocco helping businesses in the region embrace digital transformation, and what are the key sectors you are focusing on?
Orange Business Morocco actively supports businesses in the region on their digital transformation journey through various initiatives and services. Our model focuses on multinationals with a presence in Morocco, large Moroccan accounts, and significant African accounts operating within Morocco. The main sectors we serve include Financial Services, Insurance, Transportation, and Smart Industries. We aspire to enhance digital transformation in the public sector and contribute to building smart cities and stadiums in preparation for the 2030 World Cup.
Our contributions rely on the following pillars:
1. Comprehensive Solutions: We provide a wide range of services—including cloud computing, data analytics, cybersecurity, and connectivity solutions—tailored to meet the specific needs of our partners.
2. Tailored Consultancy: We offer consultation services that help organisations develop effective digital strategies, ensuring seamless integration of digital technologies into their operations.
3. Training and Support: We provide training programs and ongoing support to empower teams in understanding and effectively utilising new technologies.
4. Innovative Technologies: By leveraging cutting-edge technologies such as IoT (Internet of Things), AI (Artificial Intelligence), and big data analytics, we help businesses optimise operations and enhance decision-making processes.
Cloud Solutions and Scalability
How is Orange Business Morocco driving cloud adoption among its clients, and what are the key benefits of cloud solutions for businesses in Morocco?
Orange Business Morocco can support businesses in their journey towards the cloud, whether it be Private, Public, or Hybrid. We partner with hyperscalers and have certified cloud solutions competencies to accompany their move to the cloud, as well as a secure multi-cloud platform for them to seamlessly host their services on private, public clouds, or on-premises.
At Orange Business Morocco, we understand that embracing the cloud is essential for businesses looking to enhance operational efficiency and drive innovation. Our diverse range of cloud services is meticulously crafted to empower businesses to leverage the full potential of digital technologies. Imagine a digital infrastructure that seamlessly integrates connectivity, cloud solutions, and robust cybersecurity—this is the unique advantage we offer. With our end-to-end support, you can confidently navigate every step of your digital transformation journey.
Our extensive portfolio, coupled with our internal experts and partnerships with world-class providers, ensures that you receive the highest level of guidance and support. Together, we will build a futureready foundation for your business, enabling you to embrace innovation, unlock new opportunities, and boost your market share.
Cybersecurity Services
With the increasing threat of cyberattacks, how does Orange Business Morocco ensure the security of its clients’ digital infrastructures?
Against the backdrop of worsening and more frequent cyber-attacks, Orange Business Morocco pays special attention to protecting the digital assets of its clients. IT security extends to delivering customers’ policies and features today and, in the years, to come. Enabling advanced risk management, we are preemptive in addressing risks to our partner’s operations by operationalising threat intelligence in industry. Our customers’ digital environment is under 24/7 security operations centre and right protection is always provided. Other than that, our security professionals design and implement systems for every customer, utilising proper risk-based protection from the network to the data security. Further, our compliance services have enabled many clients to avoid making unnecessary investments into more regulatory and business requirements related to vulnerabilities in cyberspace.
Sustainability and Technology
How is Orange Business integrating sustainable practices into its services, and what role does technology play in supporting the company’s sustainability goals?
Orange has set an objective of achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2040 and aims to continuously reduce its CO2 emissions by 30% in 2025 and 45% in 2030. Orange Business Morocco is training its employees on eco-design to contribute to these objectives and is utilising smart building technologies to reduce energy consumption.
Innovation in ICT
How is Orange Business Morocco leveraging innovations in ICT to drive business efficiency and improve customer solutions?
Orange Business Morocco is leveraging innovations such as AI and generative AI with solutions like Copilot and other generative AI models to enhance employee efficiency and improve customer interactions.
Customer-Centric Solutions
How does Orange Business ensure that it delivers value and meets the evolving needs of its corporate clients, particularly in the digital age?
Orange Business leverages innovation and new technologies to address evolving client needs. We prioritise upskilling and reskilling our employees to ensure they remain current with industry trends. Additionally, we promote employee innovation and initiative. Finally, we foster customer intimacy and co-innovate with our clients to deliver tailored solutions.
Challenges in B2B Telecommunications
What are the key challenges in the telecommunications industry in Morocco, and how is Orange Business addressing these challenges?
The key challenge in B2B telecommunications is telco cloudification. Telco customers are optimising their connectivity costs and transitioning from dedicated lines to the internet and SDX networks. Our challenge is to support them in this transformation while also virtualising our networks and providing a platform for purchasing a connected and secure digital infrastructure.
Future Vision for Orange Business Morocco
What are your future plans for the growth and expansion of Orange Business Morocco, and how do you see the role of technology evolving in the country’s business landscape?
Orange Business aspires to lead digital transformation in Morocco and Africa, serving both the public and private sectors. As the market rapidly embraces cutting-edge technologies and cybersecurity, digital innovation is becoming essential—especially in public services like health, education, and finance. In the private sector, banking and insurance will drive advancements, while industries like transportation and mining will focus on boosting operational efficiency through IoT and Mobile Private Networks.
Orange Business is a global leader in digital transformation and network integration, offering end-to-end solutions in cloud, cybersecurity, and data intelligence. With over 30,000 employees, they help organisations innovate and optimise operations across industries, ensuring secure and sustainable growth.
Rym Sahnoun Executive at Orange Busness
