Apigate and Orange’s new hub, Bizao will draw on their respective geographical strengths across Asia, the Middle East, and Africa, to deliver a suite of APIs to businesses.

This is aimed at providing a streamlined and efficient method of accessing customers via a single entry point across regions.

APIs provide the impetus for digital revolution and innovation, enabling the delivery of new services such as mobile payment, communication, and identity. Through the partnership being discussed, APIs can be delivered to international and local companies alike, resulting in consolidation of traffic and expansion of reach.

Thomas Chalumeau, Chief Strategy Officer, Middle East and Africa at Orange said the partnership is emblematic of their vision for digital transformation for the region.

"This is how we wish to be partners to businesses from the smallest start-ups to the largest organisations to help them grasp the opportunities that the digital age affords,” he added.

Chief Executive of Axiata Digital, Mohd Khairil Abdullah described the partnership as an important milestone.

“This partnership marks an important milestone for the API businesses, where two major telecom operator groups are collaborating to expand their reach across each other’s footprint,” he said.

WATCH AXIATA'S FINANCIAL REPORT 2017 ON SMART MONEY