(Ecofin Agency) - Free roaming is a significant step toward strengthening regional economic integration and digital connectivity. It eliminates costly roaming charges, allowing for seamless cross-border communication, which is essential for trade, tourism, and economic growth.

The Liberia Telecommunications Authority (LTA), along with regulators from the National Communications Authority (NatCA) of Sierra Leone and the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) of The Gambia, has signed a free-roaming agreement to eliminate cross-border telecom charges and enhance regional connectivity.

Formalized during a three-day deliberation in Freetown (January 29-31), the agreement allows mobile users in Liberia, Sierra Leone, and The Gambia to communicate seamlessly without incurring roaming fees. This aligns with ECOWAS regulations, promoting economic cooperation, trade, and regional mobility.

LTA Acting Chairperson Abdullah L. Kamara described the initiative as a transformative vision that will drive economic growth and strengthen regional ties. “This agreement enables citizens to communicate freely while traveling, eliminating high roaming fees and multiple SIM cards. It’s a catalyst for economic cooperation and improved mobility,” he stated.

Kamara urged mobile service providers to comply with the agreement to ensure businesses and individuals benefit fully.

The Free Roaming Initiative is a crucial step toward regional integration, aiming to make communication more affordable and accessible across ECOWAS countries. Once implemented, it will lower transaction costs, support business expansion, and improve access to digital services.

The LTA and its regional counterparts will continue working with mobile network operators to ensure smooth implementation, with potential expansion across all ECOWAS member states. The next phase involves finalizing pricing arrangements with international carriers, paving the way for lower mobile tariffs, and boosting tourism and economic activity in the region.

Expanding free-roaming agreements across ECOWAS could significantly contribute to Africa's projected $180 billion digital economy by 2025. The "e-Conomy Africa 2020" report by Google and the International Finance Corporation (IFC) estimates that Africa's Internet economy has the potential to reach 5.2% of the continent's GDP by 2025, contributing nearly $180 billion.

Hikmatu Bilali