On Monday, a significant milestone was reached in West Africa as Liberia, Sierra Leone, and The Gambia signed a landmark free roaming agreement.
This initiative aims to enhance communication and connectivity among the three nations, making it easier for citizens to travel and communicate without incurring hefty roaming charges. The agreement is set to be implemented in phases, starting on May 2, 2025.
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The agreement details
The memorandum of understanding (MoU) allows mobile users from these countries to enjoy seamless communication across borders. Travellers can receive calls free of charge, make calls, send SMS messages, and use mobile data at local rates without needing a new SIM card.
By July 1, citizens of Liberia and The Gambia will also benefit from similar arrangements. With a combined population of approximately 16 million, this agreement is expected to improve regional connectivity significantly.
LTA Acting Chairperson Abdullah Kamara emphasised the importance of this initiative, stating, “This agreement enables citizens to communicate freely while travelling, eliminating high roaming fees and multiple SIM cards. It’s a catalyst for economic cooperation and improved mobility.” This sentiment reflects the broader goal of fostering economic growth through enhanced communication networks.
ECOWAS drives down telecom costs
This agreement is part of a more significant movement within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to reduce regional telecommunications costs. The Liberia Telecommunications Authority (LTA) and its counterparts from Sierra Leone and The Gambia have been working diligently to implement this initiative. The hope is that this will facilitate easier travel and bolster trade and tourism among the three nations.
Kamara urged mobile service providers to comply with the new regulations to ensure that businesses and individuals can fully benefit from the agreement. He noted that while there is still work to be done before all West Africans can roam freely without incurring additional charges, this agreement marks a decisive step forward.
As regional connectivity improves through such initiatives, it is anticipated that these agreements could significantly contribute to Africa’s growing digital economy. With ongoing efforts to finalise pricing arrangements with international carriers, the potential for lower mobile tariffs could further stimulate economic activity in the region.