By E.J. Nathaniel Daygbor
The governments of Liberia, Gambia, and Sierra Leone have signed a Memorandum of Understanding aimed at reducing telecommunications costs through improved roaming services.
The agreement, which covers voice, SMS, and data services, was finalized during a ceremony held in Freetown.
The initiative, driven by the Liberia Telecommunication Authority (LTA) in collaboration with the National Communications Authority of Sierra Leone and the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority of The Gambia, seeks to promote economic growth and ease communication for citizens traveling within the three countries.
LTA Chairman Abdullah Kamara outlined the strategic importance of the MOU, stating:
“This signing marks a significant step in our collective effort to enhance regional connectivity.
“With these MOUs, we are making decisive progress towards implementing the ECOWAS Regulation on roaming within the Region, an initiative aimed at eliminating high roaming charges.”
The MOU is set to begin its phased implementation on May 2, 2025, allowing travelers from Liberia to Sierra Leone to receive calls free of charge and make calls, send SMS, and use mobile data at local rates without the need for a new SIM card. Similarly, starting July 1, citizens of Liberia and The Gambia will also be able to enjoy these benefits without incurring additional international roaming charges.
Together, Liberia, Gambia, and Sierra Leone boast a combined population of approximately 16 million people. Liberia’s population is estimated at 5 million, while Sierra Leone’s is around 8 million and Gambia’s stands at nearly 2.4 million.
The combined economy of these three nations is substantial, with a gross domestic product (GDP) of approximately $16 billion, laying a foundation for increased trade and investment.
The agreement outlines the elimination of surcharges on intra-community roaming traffic, allowing mobile network operators within these nations to foster direct links to facilitate seamless communication.
The MOU stipulates that mobile network operators can charge roaming service providers a wholesale rate not exceeding 80% of the highest retail rate for data usage and 60% for calls and SMS.
Reducing communication costs, the trilateral agreement is poised to enhance connectivity and facilitate economic interactions, tourism, and business opportunities across these borders.
With the advent of free roaming, government officials and industry stakeholders are confident that trade will flourish, contributing to economic resilience and growth in the region.