IPNEWS: The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Orange Liberia have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to accelerate digital transformation and create new opportunities for Liberia’s youth—particularly young women and rural communities.
At the signing ceremony recently, UNDP Resident Representative, Mr. Aliou Mamadou Dia, commended Orange Liberia and its CEO, Mr. Jean Marius Yao, for their leadership and partnership. He also acknowledged the dedicated teams from both institutions for shaping this impactful collaboration.
“Today is not simply about signing a Memorandum of Understanding,” Dia said. “It marks the beginning of a shared journey—one rooted in a common vision to unlock innovation, accelerate digital transformation, and empower Liberia’s youth to lead and shape the country’s future.”
Liberia stands at a pivotal moment in its development journey. Its young people—full of creativity, ambition, and determination—represent the nation’s greatest source of potential. Yet access to technology, skills, mentorship, financing, and markets remains limited, especially for young women and rural youth.
The UNDP–Orange Liberia partnership responds directly to these challenges and will focus on:
- Expanding digital literacy and skills training, especially for young women and vulnerable communities.
- Supporting entrepreneurship and innovation hubs to help startups grow and access new markets.
- Promoting digital inclusion beyond Monrovia, ensuring rural communities are not left behind.
- Strengthening Liberia’s position in the global digital economy, fostering new livelihoods and opportunities.
This initiative aligns with Liberia’s national development priorities and contributes to several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):
- SDG 4 – Quality Education
- SDG 8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth
- SDG 9 – Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
- SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals
“Digital transformation is not only about technology; it’s about people,” Dia emphasized. “It is about dignity, inclusion, and ensuring that no one is left behind—or left offline—as the world advances.”
He reaffirmed UNDP’s belief that lasting development requires collaboration between the public sector, private sector, and communities.
“The private sector, represented here by Orange Liberia, plays a vital role in driving innovation and creating jobs. We are proud to walk this path together.”
“To the young people of Liberia, this partnership is for you. Your ideas, your imagination, and your courage to innovate are the foundation of Liberia’s future. We are here to support you and invest in your journey.”
As the event concluded, Mr. Dia reiterated UNDP’s commitment to building a Liberia where every young person—regardless of gender, background, or location—has the opportunity to thrive and contribute to national development.
Together, UNDP and Orange Liberia are building a more inclusive, connected, and empowered Liberia.
