• Liberia launches mobile tax payment system via *144#, in partnership with Orange Money and Ecobank.

• Covers 18 government agencies; no internet needed; users get SMS confirmation.

• Aims to boost inclusion, transparency, and revenue through digital access.

The Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA) finalized an agreement on Wednesday, July 23, with Orange Money Liberia and Ecobank for a new digital system. This system will allow citizens to pay taxes and public fees directly via their mobile phones.

“In just five quick steps, a taxpayer can complete a transaction, receive confirmation, and move on with their day,” said Maxwell Dodd, CEO of Orange Money Liberia. “We are excited to partner with the LRA and Ecobank to help modernize Liberia's tax system.”

Taxpayers can now make payments by dialing the USSD code *144#, without needing an internet connection. By entering their Tax Identification Number (TIN), the amount due, and the type of payment, they instantly receive an SMS confirmation. The service already covers 18 ministries and government agencies. Public officials have been trained to ensure its effective rollout.

The initiative aims to simplify tax payments, especially for populations living far from urban centers. It also enhances the transparency and traceability of public revenue. It promotes financial inclusion by being accessible to anyone with a mobile phone.

In the medium term, this platform could help broaden the tax base, increase state revenue, and improve administrative efficiency. Liberia is aligning with a regional trend where mobile finance is becoming a tool for transforming public services. In the longer term, this public-private partnership model could inspire other West African countries as they transition toward more digital, inclusive, and locally adapted governance.

Adoni Conrad Quenum