-As It Signs MOU with LRA and Ecobank

By Jerromie S. Walters

Monrovia, Liberia – On Wednesday, July 23, 2025, Orange Money Liberia entered a partnership with the Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA) and Ecobank to enable tax and fee payments for taxpayers and 18 government ministries via Orange mobile money. The agreement was formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed by the three institutions at Orange Liberia (Icon16) head office in Sinkor.

Maxwell Dodd, CEO of Orange Money Liberia, hailed the collaboration as more than a technological upgrade— and a bold step toward national development. “This partnership reflects our shared vision of a Liberia where every citizen, regardless of location, can access financial services and contribute to economic growth,” Dodd stated during the signing ceremony. “By digitizing revenue collection, we’re breaking barriers for the unbanked, enhancing transparency, and empowering millions of Liberians.”

The initiative is built on core objectives: first, digitizing public revenue collection to increase efficiency and reduce financial leakages; second, expanding financial inclusion by leveraging Orange Money’s extensive network to reach previously excluded populations; third, supporting economic development and good governance through enhanced transparency in public finance; and fourth, delivering unprecedented convenience by eliminating the need for long-distance travel or queuing through simple mobile transactions.

Dodd emphasized the partnership’s potential to “build a smarter, more inclusive nation,” crediting the Liberian government and regulators for fostering an enabling environment. He also praised Ecobank’s role in advancing domestic resource mobilization and the LRA’s leadership in embracing innovation.

Also in a remark prior to the signing of the MOU, Gabriel T. Montgomery, Deputy Commissioner General for Technical Services at the LRA, said the initiative directly addresses taxpayer frustrations with delayed receipts, a persistent issue since mobile money tax payments were first introduced in 2018. Montgomery emphasized that this launch reflects President Joseph Nyuma Boakai Sr.’s commitment to a digital-first revenue administration, streamlining tax filing and payments through electronic means.

He thanked key partners, including the Ministry of Finance for strategic guidance, the Central Bank of Liberia and Liberia Telecommunication Authority for regulatory oversight, Ecobank Liberia for supporting domestic resource mobilization, and Orange Liberia for its unwavering partnership in driving Liberia’s digital transformation. In his opinion, the collaboration sets a precedent for public-private partnerships in Africa, positioning Liberia as a leader in leveraging technology for economic growth and taxpayer empowerment.

Furthermore, he said the platform marks a significant step toward modernizing Liberia’s tax system, combining convenience, transparency, and accessibility to foster compliance and national development. The LRA reaffirms its dedication to continuous improvement, ensuring taxpayers benefit from cutting-edge solutions that align with global digital trends.

From her end, Ecobank Liberia Managing Director, Salamath Diallo emphasized the partnership’s role in advancing Liberia’s economic modernization. “This collaboration is more than an agreement—it is a commitment to simplify tax compliance, expand financial access, and strengthen Liberia’s fiscal ecosystem,” she stated.

“By linking the Liberia Integrated Tax Administration System (LITAS) with Ecobank’s digital platforms and Orange Money’s mobile services, we are removing barriers for taxpayers, from Monrovia to the most remote communities.” She says the initiative aligns with the Ecobank Group’s broader mission to drive Africa’s financial integration through innovation.

With this integration, Liberians can now pay taxes securely via their mobile phones or Ecobank’s digital channels, reducing reliance on cash transactions and minimizing bureaucratic hurdles. She believes that Orange Money’s extensive mobile network will further ensure accessibility, enabling even informal sector traders and small business owners to fulfill their tax obligations effortlessly.

“This is a win for efficiency, accountability, and national progress,” Ms. Diallo remarked.
Ms. Diallo praised the LRA and Orange Money for their forward-thinking leadership, urging continued partnerships to bridge financial gaps. “Together, we are building a Liberia where economic opportunities are inclusive, innovation is leveraged, and development is sustainable,” she concluded.

Ahead of Wednesday’s official MOU signing between Orange Money, the Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA), and Ecobank, key government personnel underwent intensive training on July 16, 2025, at Orange Liberia’s ICON-16 Head Office to prepare for the rollout of the new integrated tax payment system. The training session brought together representatives from various government ministries and agencies to familiarize them with the Orange Money platform’s seamless integration with Liberia’s tax infrastructure.

As part of the government’s broader digital transformation agenda, the stakeholders say this initiative aims to modernize revenue collection by enabling citizens to pay taxes, business licenses, and other statutory fees directly through their mobile phones using Orange Money, eliminating traditional pain points like long queues and cumbersome paperwork. During the hands-on workshop, participants received comprehensive technical guidance on the platform’s functionality, equipping them with the knowledge to assist taxpayers and ensure smooth adoption of the digital payment system.

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