(From right) Chairman of the Liberia Telecommunications Authority, Abdullah L. Kamara; Amara Brewah, Director General of the National Communications Authority of Sierra Leone; and Solo Sima, Deputy Director General of PURA of The Gambia, affixed their signatures to the MOUs.
In a landmark development for regional telecommunications, the Liberia Telecommunications Authority (LTA), the National Communications Authority of Sierra Leone (NatCA), and the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) of The Gambia have signed a series of Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) aimed at establishing free roaming agreements between their countries.
The signing ceremony took place on January 31 at the picturesque Mamba Point Lagoonda Resort in Freetown, Sierra Leone, and was attended by key stakeholders from the mobile network operator (MNO) community. This agreement marks a significant milestone in West Africa’s ongoing efforts to enhance communication services and eliminate the exorbitant roaming charges that have long plagued travellers in the region.
The initiative aligns with the objectives of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), which seeks to promote regional integration and improve connectivity among member states. Chairman of the Liberia Telecommunications Authority, Abdullah L. Kamara, opened the event by emphasizing the transformative potential of the agreements. He articulated that the MOUs symbolize more than just formal arrangements; they represent a courageous step toward dismantling the barriers that have historically obstructed seamless communication in West Africa. “It is a great privilege to be in Freetown today for the signing of these important Memoranda of Understanding among the LTA, NatCA, and PURA. This marks a significant step in our collective effort to enhance regional connectivity, promote economic growth, and ensure affordable communication for our citizens,” Kamara stated.
Under the new agreements, citizens traveling from Liberia to Sierra Leone will benefit from free incoming calls starting May 2, 2025. They will also be able to make calls, send SMS, and use mobile data at the same rates as Sierra Leoneans, eliminating the need to switch SIM cards for cross-border communication. Sierra Leoneans will enjoy the same privileges when visiting Liberia. The agreement will further extend to The Gambia, with free roaming benefits set to commence on July 1, 2025. Kamara expressed optimism that these agreements would not only enhance communication but also strengthen ties between the nations involved.
The significance of this agreement extends beyond immediate benefits. Kamara revealed that Liberia is already in discussions with Ghana to establish a similar roaming agreement, with plans to extend free roaming to Côte d’Ivoire, Togo, and Benin by the end of the year. This ambition underscores the commitment to fostering broader regional connectivity and collaboration among West African nations. Following Kamara’s address, Solo Sima, Deputy Director General of PURA of The Gambia, took the podium to highlight the importance of the agreement in advancing regional integration. “The MoU we are about to sign is more than just a document. It’s a commitment to change. We will ensure that citizens of our nations enjoy free incoming calls while roaming, making cross-border communications more accessible,” Sima affirmed.
He reiterated the necessity for fair and transparent roaming charges that uphold business sustainability while benefiting consumers. Sima also stressed the importance of technical and regulatory cooperation to facilitate the seamless integration of networks across the three countries. He expressed gratitude to stakeholders for their contributions and acknowledged the challenges faced during negotiations. “This agreement sets a powerful precedent. It shows that regional integration and telecommunications are not just aspirations, but achievable realities,” he said, emphasizing the collaborative spirit that led to the agreements. Amara Brewah, Director General of NatCA, followed with an emotional tribute to everyone who played a role in bringing the MOUs to fruition. He reflected on the historical context that led to this moment, tracing back to the Abidjan Protocol and the subsequent formation of ECOWAS. Brewah noted, “The journey to this point began with the Abidjan Protocol, which included seven countries. Then came ECOWAS, with its 16 members, and initially, we aimed for a comprehensive agreement across all member states.
However, we soon realized that a more practical approach would be to focus on bilateral agreements.” He praised the dedication of technical teams and stakeholders, emphasizing that the agreements are not mere formalities but essential steps toward improving the lives of citizens. Brewah also acknowledged the role of MNOs in the successful execution of the agreements, stating that while disagreements are part of the regulatory process, the operators demonstrated a willingness to collaborate for the sector’s advancement. “As regulators, we don’t always agree, but today we see the MNOs willing to move the sector forward. This collaboration is proof of their commitment to progress,” he remarked. Brewah concluded with a call to action, urging all parties to prioritize the effective implementation of the agreements. “We have to hasten the implementation. The work has just begun,” he urged, signalling that the real challenge lies ahead in translating the agreements into functional realities. Adding to the momentum, Aliyou Yusuf Aboki, Executive Secretary General of the West African Telecommunications Regulatory Assembly (WATRA), underscored the broader vision for regional integration and digital transformation within ECOWAS. He highlighted the strategic importance of these agreements in driving economic growth and improving connectivity across the region. “We are laying the foundation for the full implementation of the ECOWAS roaming regulation, which will ensure that citizens and businesses can stay connected affordably and efficiently without the barriers of excessive roaming charges,” Aboki stated. Aboki emphasized that while the signing represents a significant achievement, it marks only the beginning of a larger effort to realize digital inclusion for all ECOWAS citizens.
He concluded, “This initiative will not only enhance intra-regional trade and mobility but also foster innovation, investment, and socio-economic development.” The signing of these historic agreements is poised to transform the telecommunications landscape in West Africa, providing citizens with unprecedented access to affordable mobile communication services while fostering economic collaboration and regional unity. As the three nations move forward with the implementation of the agreements, the hope is that this initiative will catalyze further regional integration and cooperation across the continent.
