Orange Liberia: Empowering Rural Liberia Through Digital Inclusion

Jean Marius Yao, CEO of Orange Liberia, highlights the critical need for reliable communication services and discusses the company's ambitious initiative to bridge the digital divide in rural Liberia. Orange Liberia, in partnership with ZTE, has successfully deployed 128 communication sites in rural areas, significantly enhancing network coverage and accessibility for the underserved populations, benefiting over 580,000 rural subscribers.

Can you elaborate on the initial motivation behind Orange Liberia's decision to undertake this ambitious rural network deployment project?

The demand for the development of mobile telecommunication service infrastructure in Liberia is significant. Previously, our network coverage was mainly concentrated in the capital and some major towns, leaving a significant portion of the rural population disconnected from the digital world.

Orange Liberia recognized the critical needs for reliable communication services in the rural areas, where access to information and opportunities is limited. Our goal is to empower these communities, to “Include Digital in Every Liberian Life”, by providing them with the tools necessary to participate fully in the digital economy and improve their socio-economic well-being. This is also in line with our vision to be the preferred Liberian multi-service operator and partner of choice for digital, financial, and energy inclusion while respecting ethics and the environment.

What is the biggest challenge in enhancing network coverage in rural areas?

Building networks in rural Liberia comes with significant challenges—poor infrastructure, limited road access, and electricity are major hurdles. With only around 28% of the population having access to electricity and a long rainy season, construction and maintenance are costly and slow.

Traditional networking solutions yield low returns on investment, hindering the establishment of a positive cycle.

Establishing a network is crucial for residents in remote areas, as it can significantly improve their lives. Finding an effective way to connect the unconnected population is a shared goal.

What’s your solution for the rural network coverage in Liberia?

Our rural network project covers numerous rural areas across Liberia, offering an innovative solution, which is called Rural EcoSite, to provide effective, green, and affordable mobile communication, significantly enhancing network coverage in rural areas. This enables remote populations to access information and knowledge in a timely and barrier-free manner through open and free channels, benefiting from knowledge and information acquisition and achieving information literacy. We have successfully deployed all sites and are continuously optimizing network performance.

Despite the challenges, collaborative efforts have led to the deployment of 128 sites in just three months. Over 580,000 subscribers in rural areas now benefit from enhanced digital and financial services with our Orange Money, and energy inclusion, as all the sites support 2G and 4G network services.

How has your partnership with ZTE been instrumental in the success of this rural network deployment project?

Our partnership with ZTE has been pivotal. Their expertise in telecommunications, combined with a shared commitment to digital inclusion, made this project possible. Together, we’ve tackled unique challenges with innovative solutions, ensuring efficient execution.

By leveraging each other's strengths, we've been able to not only deliver on our commitment to “Enhance Rural Area” but also pave the way for future collaborations that can further drive digital development in Liberia and beyond.

What value does Orange Liberia see in enhancing digital inclusion in rural areas, and what are the future plans for this initiative?

We view this as a long-term partnership for local sustainable development. Our work is not just about improving connectivity, but about creating it where there was none before. As we expand our rural network, our focus will remain on user services—ensuring the network supports the daily lives and productivity of locals, from farmers to students.

We’re dedicated to making sure that every corner of Liberia is connected, empowering all citizens to participate fully in the global digital economy.