The scene on Thursday, May 15, 2025, was colorful as President Joseph N. Boakai officially dedicated Orange Liberia’s newly constructed state-of the-art headquarters, ‘Icon 16.’ It was also characterized by merry-making and fanfare.
The launching program of the ‘Icon 16’ brought together scores of government officials, foreign dignitaries, members of the diplomatic community as well as well-wishers.
Yesterday’s ceremony, which was held under the theme: “This is Home. The Future is Here. We Are Here. We Belong. Orange is Here to Stay,” marked the official dedication of Orange ‘Icon 16.’
The elaborate ceremony was held 16th Street in Sinkor, Monrovia.
At the ceremony, Pres. Boakai described Orange Liberia as one of the country’s key partners in her quest for digital transformation in the telecommunication sector from the very beginning, contributing hugely to society.
The President said, the coming of Cellcom, now Orange, into Liberia’s telecommunication market has brought lots of changes to the country’s communication sector.
“This latest development in communication is worth huge commendation, because no one comes with the believe that anything is too good for Liberia. We always envisioned the best of everything for the country.”
The President then commended Orange Liberia for their new facility, stating: “The investment is laudable. This is what we as a government, wants to see from investors, having confidence to invest in the country without fear, ensuring that everyone enjoys the comfort of good communication in their respective offices and relationships.”
“Based on Orange Liberia’s work and experience in the communication sector, my government wants the company to be a part of Liberia’s digital effort ensuring that the entire country, including the young people are involved into digital promotion and education,” said Pres. Boakai.
He continues: “I am a witness to the contributions when Orange was first called Cellcom. That was the time when Lonestar Cell was operating single- handily; we all had the experience. Cellcom, which is now Orange, came to the market, we saw very big changes in the country’s infrastructure, call rates and many other things. Until that time, we did not know how much we were being suppressed. Communication was very difficult, and we are therefore, grateful to Orange for this edifice.”
According to Pres. Boakai, it is about time for Liberians to get rid of the mindset that the country is open to any kind of business.
He added: “Liberia is not just open to any kind of businesses, but the one with quality, transparency and good partnership with respect for customers.”
He recalled how Orange has always been a part of Liberia, helping to bring about competition in the communication sector, as lots of people now have built confidence in the country’s onward development programs.
“We don’t want the country to be left behind, we want to promote the effort of even the physically challenged people. This is the time for Liberia to demand good quality from investors in performances and whatever they do. I am sure that with Orange, we have the confidence that we can only get better.”
Communication, the President said, “is the life stream of any society as phone calls and the internet are all important to one’s wellbeing.”
“We want to thank the Liberia Telecommunication Authority (LTA), and all of those institutions that are working with you in ensuring that Liberians are placed into positions of trust; we are very proud of you for the government; we can assure you of continuously working with you to ensure that we all become true partners to the development of this country.”
Meanwhile, Orange Zone Director for Middle East and Africa, Patrick Lefevre, said the building is more than just a physical structure, but a symbol of the company’s shared aspirations; a tangible representation of its growth, and a testament to the relentless dedication of every member of the Orange family.
“This building,” Lefevre said, “reflects who we are, and the values that guide us every day, bold because we dare to lead caring, because we put people first acting with integrity and vision and we are not stopping here.”
“As a strategic investor, with over US$250 million committed to infrastructure like our fiber backbone, and Buchanan Data Center; a driver of inclusion through Orange Money and Orange Energies, and a proud recipient of Ookla Awards for best network, fastest speeds, and widest coverage.”
He added: “In the next six years, we will invest an additional US$200 million to expand and modernize our network. We believe in Liberia.”
Lefevre said the company’s role in Liberia extends far beyond these walls, Orange Liberia is among the top three taxpayers in the country, with US$291 million paid in taxes and fees.
“We are proud to play a role in national development by creating jobs, powering progress, and connecting people in every community and county bringing about social inclusion.”
The Minister of Post and Telecommunication and the Commissioner of the Liberia Telecommunication Authority commended Orange for constructing such a great structure. They pledged their respective commitments to work with the company to provide better and affordable communication services to Liberians.