Monrovia – Liberia – The Central Bank of Liberia (CBL) has mandated a standardized 2% cash-out fee on all mobile money withdrawals across service providers, effective August 1, 2025. The measure seeks to unify pricing structures, eliminate consumer confusion, and enhance confidence in digital transactions within Liberia’s growing mobile money sector.
Prior to the implementation, cash-out tariffs varied significantly. Lonestar Cell MTN charged between 2.5% and 3%, while Orange Liberia applied rates ranging from 2% to 2.8%, depending on the transaction size and location. The lack of consistency often disadvantaged users in remote areas, where agent discretion sometimes led to inflated fees.
The CBL’s decision is part of a broader financial sector reform aimed at promoting a less cash-dependent economy, reducing the cost of currency printing, and fostering greater inclusion through digital payment systems. “Whether you are withdrawing through your mobile wallet or at an agent location, a minimum fee of 2% will now apply,” the CBL clarified in its official press release.
The new policy is expected to benefit over 3 million active mobile money users by providing predictable transaction costs and discouraging overcharging by agents. It also marks a critical step toward interoperability between Liberia’s two largest Mobile Money Operators (MMOs)—Lonestar Cell MTN and Orange Liberia.
To facilitate this integration, the Central Bank is accelerating the rollout of the National Electronic Payment Switch (NEPS), a digital infrastructure designed to allow seamless fund transfers between different mobile platforms. Once fully deployed, users will be able to send and receive money across networks in real-time, significantly enhancing service efficiency and convenience.
The policy’s impact is also expected to ripple through public financial management. The CBL has indicated that real-time payments from the Government of Liberia—including salaries, pensions, and contractor fees—will be routed directly into recipients’ mobile money wallets. This digitized approach aims to reduce cash handling risks while boosting transparency and accountability in public transactions.
From a business perspective, the standardized rate simplifies bookkeeping for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), many of which rely on mobile money for daily operations. It also encourages digital payments for goods and services, reducing operational friction and minimizing reliance on physical cash.
“The transition to a digital-first financial system is central to fostering innovation, resilience, and inclusiveness in Liberia’s payment landscape,” said Executive Governor Henry F. Saamoi. “This directive reflects our commitment to modernizing financial services and unlocking the full potential of mobile and electronic platforms.”
