Orange Digital Center to Host Liberia\’s Top ICT and Fintech Policy Summit in 2025
A New Era of Digital and Financial Inclusion in Liberia
Liberia is on the brink of a significant milestone in its digital transformation journey. The Orange Digital Center Liberia (ODC) is set to host the 3rd Annual Liberia Digital and Financial Inclusion Roundtable on October 23, marking an important step in the nation’s efforts to bridge the gap between technology and financial inclusion.
This year’s theme, \”Energy Access and Clean Power for Digital Equity,\” highlights one of the most urgent challenges facing the country: without reliable clean energy, achieving digital inclusion and financial equity remains a distant dream for millions of Liberians. The roundtable will bring together a diverse group of stakeholders, including government ministries, regulators, financial institutions, telecom operators, civil society leaders, youth innovators, and global development partners. These discussions aim to tackle the pressing issues that hinder progress in both sectors.
The ODC Liberia was chosen as the host due to its pivotal role in promoting youth empowerment, digital literacy, and sustainability-focused solutions. Orange\’s expansion of mobile money services and renewable-powered connectivity models has positioned the center as a key player in shaping the national conversation around digital finance and energy access.
\”this year\’s round-table is not about another discussion — it\’s about shaping a road-map with measurable actions,\” said Peterking Quaye, regional executive director of WAICTANet, which is organizing the event. \”Liberia\’s fintech growth cannot happen without energy, and Liberia\’s energy challenges cannot be solved without digital finance unlocking investment. The scorecard we launch this year will track progress across these intersections.\”
Despite the growth of Liberia\’s fintech sector, particularly in mobile money, several structural challenges persist. One of the most significant barriers is electricity access. In 2023, only 32.5% of the population had access to power, with rural areas reporting figures below 10%. This lack of reliable energy limits the operation of agents, digital hubs, and platforms, further widening the digital divide.
Weak coordination among regulators, ministries, and the Central Bank has also slowed down necessary reforms for innovation, interoperability, and consumer protection. Trust in the system is fragile, with hidden fees, poor liquidity, and unreliable service discouraging usage. Additionally, gaps in digital skills—especially among women and rural youth—hinder broader engagement with digital financial services.
The round-table will serve as the launchpad for the Liberia Digital Inclusion Scorecard 2025-26, an accountability tool designed to measure progress in key areas. The scorecard will track the development of renewable energy-powered digital hubs and mobile money agents, the electrification of rural schools, mobile money penetration in underserved counties, and policy reforms aimed at strengthening fintech regulation and consumer protection.
\”We want to see banks, telecom regulators, and government report progress — not just promises,\” Quaye said. \”ODC hosting this year sends a signal that innovation and sustainability are at the center of the national agenda.\”
Stakeholders believe that with the right mix of energy investment, regulatory reform, and fintech innovation, Liberia could position itself as a regional leader in inclusive digital finance. Key priorities include expanding solar-powered connectivity for rural schools, strengthening mobile money ecosystems with renewable energy, and embedding climate resilience into telecom and fintech infrastructure.
Global partners, including the World Bank, African Development Bank, UNDP, and European Union, are expected to participate, setting a new benchmark for accountability in digital and financial inclusion. The event underscores a central vision: energy access, digital innovation, and financial equity must advance together as one agenda.
