By Christian Appleton
Harper, Maryland County – March 28, 2025 – In a monumental step toward digital empowerment, Orange Liberia officially launched a modern Digital Center Club at William V.S. Tubman University (WVSTU) in Harper, Maryland County, on Friday, March 28, 2025. The event attracted several notable figures, including county authorities, officials from Orange Liberia, as well as the administration, staff, and students of WVSTU.
During the ceremony, Mr. Zaza Mulbah, Senior Manager of the Orange Digital Center and Project Manager for the initiative, highlighted the significance of the occasion, emphasizing that the launch marks a turning point not only for Orange Liberia and the university but also for the future of young people in Harper, Maryland County, and Liberia as a whole.
“The opening of this Digital Center is a testament to the power of partnerships,” said Mulbah. “Today, we witness the culmination of months of planning and dedication that began with our first visit in February 2024. This center will provide young Liberians with the tools and resources necessary to thrive in a digital world.”
He expressed gratitude for the support from various partners, including GIZ, the Orange Foundation, and the dedicated teams at Orange Liberia, and the excellent work done by contractors, J&J Incorporated. The Digital Center, which was renovated at an estimated cost of $120,000 USD, offers a vibrant co-working space, a coding school, and a fully-equipped lab, all aimed at providing high-quality training in digital and soft skills for students in Maryland County.
The new center is one of several projects launched by Orange Liberia in partnership with various institutions. Mulbah mentioned that the WVSTU center is the third of its kind, following similar centers at the University of Liberia and Cuttington University.
“This initiative is more than just about providing training,” Mulbah added. “It’s about fostering innovation, building career paths, and empowering Liberia’s youth to contribute meaningfully to the country’s digital economy. We’re not just opening doors today, but we are creating a movement, a force for change driven by digital empowerment.”
Cllr. Supu Cole, Director of Legal and Regulatory Affairs at Orange Liberia, also spoke during the event, describing the project as a landmark achievement for the county. He noted that the initiative reflects Orange Liberia’s commitment to giving back to society, particularly to young people. Cllr. Cole pointed out that the Orange Foundation has been actively involved in several digital empowerment projects across Liberia, including initiatives aimed at empowering women and people living with disabilities.
“We are not just in Liberia to do business,” Cllr. Cole said. “We are here to make a lasting impact. This digital center will serve as a wake-up call for the youth in Maryland County to explore the digital world and seize opportunities that are unfolding globally.”
In his speech, Mr. Jean Marius Yao, CEO of Orange Liberia and Chairman of Orange Money Liberia and Orange Liberia Foundation Board, emphasized the company’s commitment to bridging the digital divide in Liberia. Drawing on a quote from former U.S. President Barack Obama, Yao noted, “We cannot afford to have a digital divide become the foremost source of inequality in this country.” He stressed that the opening of the Digital Center Club at WVSTU is part of Orange Liberia’s broader mission to empower young Liberians and help them take their rightful place in the global digital economy.
“The future of Liberia rests in the hands of its youth,” Yao said. “We believe that by equipping young people with the necessary digital skills, we are helping to close the gap between academic instruction and the needs of the labor market. This center is a step forward in ensuring that technology becomes a force of inclusion, not exclusion.”
Ms. Wendell Johnson, President of the Student Government Association at William V.S. Tubman University, expressed her gratitude to Orange Liberia for selecting the university as the site for the digital center. She assured the company that the students would make the most of the facility. “We will ensure that the center is used for its intended purpose,” she said, also lauding the university’s president, Dr. Olu Q. Menjay, for his leadership in bringing the partnership to life.
Dr. Olu Q. Menjay, President of William V.S. Tubman University, lauded Orange Liberia for their partnership. He noted that the Digital Center is not just a facility filled with tools and technology but a “cradle of discovery” and a “beacon of hope” for the university’s students.
“The center will provide our youth with the tools to create, to learn, and to innovate,” Dr. Menjay said. “It will empower them to rise above challenges and become active contributors to Liberia’s digital transformation.”
Hon. Henry B. Cole, Superintendent of Maryland County, also praised the initiative, describing it as a crucial step for the county’s educational and technological advancement. He expressed hope that the Digital Center will inspire young people to embrace the digital world and access global opportunities.
As the ribbon was cut, signaling the official launch of the center, students and attendees alike celebrated the beginning of a new chapter for digital education and innovation in Maryland County. With this Digital Center Club, Orange Liberia is helping to unlock the potential of Liberia’s youth, providing them with the necessary resources and skills to thrive in an increasingly digital world.
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