The Central Bank of Liberia (CBL) has announced a uniform 2% cash-out fee for all mobile money withdrawals, effective August 1, 2025.
Under the new directive, all licensed Mobile Money Operators (MMOs) are required to implement a standard 2% charge on withdrawals made through mobile wallets or agent locations.
The policy, the CBL says, is designed to ensure competitive fairness, enhance financial inclusion, and reduce reliance on physical cash.
What This Means for Mobile Money Users whether withdrawing funds via mobile apps or at agent outlets, users will now pay a flat 2% fee on each cash-out transaction.
For instance, withdrawing L$5,000 will cost L$100 in fees.
Other digital services-such as bill payments, money transfers, and merchant purchases-remain largely unaffected and continue to offer low-cost, convenient options for users.
Why the Change?
According to the CBL, the new pricing standard is part of a broader push to:
Harmonize mobile money withdrawal fees across providers
Protect consumers and agents from pricing discrepancies
Encourage electronic payments over cash handling
Lower the cost and risk of printing and moving cash
Enable small businesses and service providers to adopt digital payment systems
Expand financial access in rural and underserved areas
Support efficient public-sector payments and increase transparency
Paving the Way for a Digital Economy:
CBL Executive Governor Henry F. Saamoi emphasized that the directive aligns with national efforts to build a “digital-first financial system” that supports inclusive economic growth.
“This directive reflects our commitment to modernizing financial services and unlocking the full potential of mobile and electronic platforms,” Saamoi stated. “The transition to a digital-first financial system is central to fostering innovation, resilience, and inclusiveness in Liberia’s payment landscape.”
Mobile Money Interoperability:
The policy forms part of the broader National Electronic Payment Switch (NEPS) project, spearheaded by the CBL. A critical component of NEPS will be enabling interoperability between Liberia’s two major mobile money operators, allowing:
Seamless mobile money transactions across networks
Real-time money transfers between subscribers of different service providers
Direct government payments to individuals (salaries, pensions, vendor payments) into mobile wallets
Improved transparency and accountability in public financial management
Once implemented, the interoperability system is expected to transform Liberia’s mobile money ecosystem, making digital financial services more accessible, reliable, and inclusive-especially for the unbanked population in remote regions.
A Future Less Reliant on Cash
The CBL has consistently advocated for policies that reduce cash dependency and promote digital payments.
The uniform cash-out fee is seen as a practical step toward building a more efficient, secure, and accessible financial system for all Liberians.
As the August rollout begins, Liberians are encouraged to take full advantage of digital payment platforms for everyday transactions-from buying goods and services to receiving salaries and sending remittances.
The digital shift, the CBL maintains, is not just a matter of convenience, it’s a national strategy for economic empowerment.
