–Orange Liberia’s CEO On The Launch Of ‘Orange Icon 16’ Headquarters And A New Chapter

In a striking move that reflects both ambition and allegiance, Orange Liberia has unveiled its new headquarters, Orange Icon 16, in the heart of Monrovia. With this ultra-modern facility, the telecoms giant is not just expanding operations; it is sending a clear message to Liberians: they are here for the long haul. The Hot Pepper sat down with Orange Liberia’s Chief Executive Officer, Jean-Marius Yao, to discuss the journey to this moment, the purpose behind Orange Icon 16, and the deeper story of Orange’s commitment to Liberia’s digital future and economic prosperity.

Q: Mr. Yao, congratulations on the upcoming launch. Let’s begin with the big picture: What does Orange Icon 16 mean to you and to Orange Liberia?

A: Thank you very much. To us, Orange Icon 16 is more than a corporate headquarters. It is a bold expression of our identity, our vision, and our commitment to Liberia. It marks a new chapter for Orange Liberia, one that moves us from being a service provider to becoming a national partner in development and innovation. We have always seen ourselves as part of Liberia’s fabric. This building is a symbol and a lasting testament to that belief. It’s a home for ideas, for leadership, for collaboration and, most importantly, for Liberians.

Q: Why now? What motivated the timing and scope of this investment?

A: The idea of a new headquarters has been in motion for years, but timing is everything. Since entering the Liberian market in 2016, we have grown steadily, connecting more than 2 million people and expanding data coverage to over 66% of the country. But we knew that to grow sustainably and meaningfully we needed a foundation that matched our ambitions. Orange Icon 16 is that foundation. It’s also our way of saying: Liberia is not a stop on our journey; it is our future.

Q: The building’s name, “Orange Icon 16,” carries a symbolic tone. Can you unpack the meaning behind it?

A: Absolutely. “Icon” is a strong word, it signals presence, influence, and inspiration. We chose it deliberately. We want this building to inspire pride, ambition, and excellence. The number “16” marks the year Orange officially began operations in Liberia, in 2016. So, Orange Icon 16 is both a reflection of our past and a compass for our future. It reminds us of how far we’ve come, but more importantly, it challenges us to push further, to lead responsibly, and to continue building with and for the Liberian people.

Q: You’ve described the facility as more than just a building. What are some of its key features, and how do they support your workforce and organizational goals?

A: Orange Icon 16 is designed to serve our people, our teams, our partners, and the next generation of professionals. It’s a workplace, yes, but also a leadership incubator, an innovation lab, and a community space. We’ve built-in features that reflect this vision: a 170-seat auditorium equipped with state-of-the-art audiovisual technology for hosting trainings, conferences, and thought-leadership events; a 250-square-meter smart store that showcases innovation and connects us directly with the public; and flexible workspaces, including LED-lit offices powered by solar energy, private phone booths, and coffee corners that encourage both focus and teamwork. This is a modern environment built for openness, accountability, and shared purpose. We want every employee who walks through those doors to feel empowered, inspired, and proud to be part of something larger. Our goal is to nurture a work culture that is future-ready, inclusive, and uniquely Liberian.

Q: What role do you see Orange Icon 16 playing in Liberia’s broader digital and economic transformation?

A: That’s at the heart of our vision. Liberia is on the brink of a digital evolution, and we believe Icon 16 can help accelerate that journey. It will be a central node in our push for digital inclusion, regional innovation, and youth leadership. We see it becoming a talent magnet, a space where Liberians can build careers, innovate, and shape the future of the country’s digital economy. We’re also investing in partnerships that will leverage this space for mentorships, startups, and community development initiatives. For us, this headquarters will serve as a launchpad for national progress.

Q: Internally, how do you ensure that such a structure translates into deeper employee engagement and retention?

A: That’s a great question. Physical infrastructure must align with cultural infrastructure. So, while we’ve built a modern space, what’s more important is the environment we’re cultivating inside. Through leadership programs, ongoing training, peer collaboration, and talent development pipelines, we are creating opportunities for growth at every level. Orange Icon 16 gives us the physical tools to deliver that. But even more, it symbolizes a shift towards modern, values-driven work culture that emphasizes excellence, well-being, and national pride. That’s how we retain top talent by creating purpose, not just perks.

Q: Orange has been at the forefront of digital inclusion in Liberia. How does this headquarters build on that legacy?

A: Since 2016, we’ve been intentional about bridging the digital divide, from expanding coverage in remote areas to supporting mobile money adoption and e-learning platforms. Orange Icon 16 now allows us to take this commitment a step further. Like I mentioned earlier, the smartstore is dedicated to showcasing the latest digital and telecom innovations, offering both employees and the public a hands-on space to engage with emerging technologies. The building is also fully accessible to persons with disabilities with 34 spaces, reinforcing our inclusive approach to infrastructure and digital access. We’ve also built the auditorium and a tech-enabled boardroom to support digital learning, collaboration, and public-private dialogue. We’re integrating spaces for digital training and cross-sector innovation. We will be opening our doors to partnerships that focus on health tech, education, fintech, and other growth sectors. This is a place where policy, innovation, and private-sector leadership can converge. It’s a continuation of what we’ve already started but now with more capacity and clarity.

Q: From your perspective as CEO, what leadership lessons have guided the journey to this moment?

A: One of the most important lessons is that vision must be rooted in people. You cannot lead with infrastructure alone, you lead by inspiring belief and aligning that belief with action. This entire process, from the idea to the execution of Orange Icon 16, has been about listening, learning, and leading with integrity. I’ve also learned the value of patience and strategic timing. You have to build when the time is right, not only financially but culturally. Our people are ready, our company is ready, and Liberia is ready. That’s the alignment that brought us here.

Q: Sustainability is an increasing concern across industries. Has that been considered in the design of this new facility?

A: Absolutely. Sustainability is a key priority for us, not just in technology, but also in operations. Orange Icon 16 was designed to meet modern environmental and connectivity standards. We are committed to reducing our carbon footprint and promoting responsible, future-proof growth. The building’s features reflect that mindset, ensuring it aligns with both global best practices and local environmental needs.

Q: What message is Orange Liberia hoping to send with this launch?

A: The message is one of shared ownership. It is simple and clear: This is home. That’s our campaign theme, and it resonates deeply with us. We want to show every Liberian that Orange is not just a service provider, we are part of the national fabric. This headquarters was built with Liberia in mind. It’s a place that mirrors the resilience, ambition, and warmth of this country. We want Liberians to see this as a symbol of possibility and pride. We are here, side by side with you, building something real and lasting. Whether you are a customer, a student, a public official, or a young entrepreneur, there is space for you in the future we’re shaping. This is more than a building. It’s a statement. It’s a promise. And above all, it’s home.

Q: And what can we expect next from Orange Liberia?

A: Expect consistency. Expect innovation. Expect deeper investment in infrastructure, but more importantly, in people. We will continue to lead in connectivity, financial inclusion, and responsible growth. You’ll see more collaborations, more community programs, and more bold moves like Orange Icon 16. We’re proud of what we’ve achieved, but we’re even more excited about what’s ahead. Our journey is just beginning. Outward clothes promise at gravity do excited.  Sufficient particular impossible by reasonable oh expression is. Yet  preference connection unpleasant yet melancholy but end appearance. And  excellence partiality estimating terminated day everything.