France Telecom‘s head of strategy and development has said he is seeking to sign management contracts with telecom groups in Libya and Algeria.

Reuters reports that Elie Girard (pictured) said no talks on acquisitions were currently underway, but Africa and the Middle East were a priority for growth.

The group, which markets its services under the brand Orange, operates in 21 Middle East and African countries.

Girard said France Telecom wanted to expand into Libya and other African countries, and would seek contracts to manage other operators’ telecom networks as a way to get a foot in the door.

“There are two operators in Libya today and there is a tender for management contracts and we are working hard to get one of those.”

(Source: Reuters)