Liberia, Gambia, and Sierra Leone Sign Free Roaming Agreement

The governments of Liberia, The Gambia, and Sierra Leone have signed a landmark free roaming agreement, marking a major step towards seamless regional connectivity in West Africa. This historic memorandum of understanding (MoU) will allow citizens of the three Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) nations to use mobile services across borders without incurring international roaming charges.

Also read: Ghana and Gambia Expand ECOWAS Free Roaming Initiative

This agreement is expected to enhance economic growth, ease travel communications, and promote regional integration, aligning with ECOWAS’ broader vision of a single digital market for West Africa.

What the Agreement Means for West Africans

The phased implementation of the free roaming initiative will begin on 2 May 2025, when:

• Travellers from Liberia to Sierra Leone will be able to receive calls for free, make calls, send SMS messages, and use mobile data at local rates—all without needing a new SIM card.
• From 1 July 2025, similar benefits will be extended between Liberia and The Gambia, allowing citizens to communicate freely without additional international roaming costs.

With a combined population of 16 million people, this agreement eliminates the financial burden of roaming charges, making mobile communication more affordable and accessible for millions of West Africans.

A Push for Regional Integration Through Digital Connectivity

The initiative is being driven by:

• The Liberia Telecommunications Authority (LTA)
• The National Communications Authority of Sierra Leone
• The Public Utilities Regulatory Authority of The Gambia

According to LTA Chairman Abdullah Kamara, this agreement is a major milestone in ECOWAS’ long-term goal to harmonise telecom policies and strengthen regional economic ties.

“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,” Kamara stated.

How West Africa is Advancing Digital Inclusion

The ECOWAS Free Roaming Initiative is gaining momentum, with several West African countries already implementing similar agreements:

• Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire signed a bilateral free roaming agreement in February 2024.
• Ghana, Benin, and Togo launched their roaming integration in October 2024.
• Senegal and Mauritania finalised their cross-border mobile tariff reduction deal in 2023.

The ultimate goal of ECOWAS is to create a fully interconnected digital ecosystem that facilitates trade, travel, and communication across West Africa, bridging the gap between rural and urban communities.

Economic and Social Benefits of Free Roaming

This historic agreement is expected to stimulate economic growth, particularly in:

✅ Trade and Investment – Businesses operating across Liberia, Sierra Leone, and The Gambia will experience lower communication costs, making cross-border trade more efficient.
✅ Tourism – The initiative will support tourism by removing expensive roaming fees, encouraging greater mobility within the region.
✅ Education and Workforce Mobility – Students, entrepreneurs, and workers will have seamless access to digital services, enabling better collaboration across borders.

Next Steps: Mobile Operators to Implement Pricing Adjustments

The next phase of this agreement requires mobile network operators to work with international carriers to finalise pricing arrangements. Once implemented, this agreement will provide West Africans with an affordable and seamless mobile experience, making connectivity a driver of economic and social transformation in the region.

With West Africa leading the charge in regional telecom integration, this agreement marks a crucial step toward breaking down digital barriers and fostering a connected and prosperous Africa.