The Liberia Telecommunications Authority (LTA) has granted Orange Money a standalone license (License ‘C’) to operate as a mobile money service provider, in line with newly introduced regulations requiring telecom operators to separate from their fintech subsidiaries.
Moreover, LTA Chairperson Clarence K. Massaquoi confirmed that Orange Money is now authorized to function independently from Orange Liberia. He added that Lonestar Cell MTN is expected to secure a similar independent license for its mobile money arm in the near future.
This initiative is designed to empower Liberian entrepreneurs and create greater opportunities for local participation in the telecommunications and digital services sector,” Massaquoi said. “It aligns with the vision of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, whose administration continues to prioritize digital inclusion, economic transformation, and improved public service delivery.
Under the LTA’s revised value-added service (VAS) framework, both Orange Liberia and Lonestar Cell MTN must operate separately from their respective fintech subsidiaries, including MTN Mobile Money. The updated rules also place USSD shortcodes—which enable fintech companies to provide mobile payment services—under the direct control of the LTA rather than telecom operators, a move that aims to foster fair competition and open the market to new entrants.
Cllr. Supu H. W. Cole, Sr., Director of Legal, Regulatory, and Governmental Affairs and General Secretary of Orange Liberia, said:
The signing of License ‘C’ represents a major milestone for Orange Money and strengthens our ability to provide value-added digital services to customers nationwide. With ongoing interoperability in the financial sector, Orange Money will continue to enhance its systems to enable seamless transfers and broader digital transactions across the country.
Orange Liberia and Lonestar Cell MTN currently dominate Liberia’s mobile money sector. As of March 2025, Orange Money reported more than one million subscribers, while MTN Mobile Money recorded approximately 1.28 million subscribers by the end of 2025.
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