11 August 2025
Côte d'Ivoire and Liberia have formalised a pioneering free roaming agreement. The memorandum of understanding was exchanged between the Liberia Telecommunications Authority (LTA) and the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Côte d'Ivoire (ARTCI), marking a significant step towards easing communication barriers between the neighbouring nations.
The agreement allows mobile phone users to retain their SIM cards and phone numbers when crossing the border, while enjoying local rates for outgoing calls, text messages, and data services. Incoming calls will be free of charge for the first 30 days of a user's stay, and activating the ‘data roaming’ feature will automatically enable the service without any additional formalities. Clarence K. Massaquoi, Chairman of the LTA, emphasised the cultural and familial ties between the two nations, noting that many communities along the Cavalla River share land, traditions, and daily routines. He highlighted that high international roaming charges have long been a barrier for local families and traders, and this agreement aims to remove that obstacle.
This initiative aligns with the broader implementation of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Community Regulation on Free Roaming, which seeks to promote seamless cross-border communication across member countries. Similar agreements have already been established by Benin, Togo, and Ghana, with Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso in the Sahel Alliance also progressing toward adoption. At the continental level, discussions are underway between Chad and Cameroon regarding similar arrangements.
Reducing the costs associated with cross-border communication is anticipated to bolster economic activity, facilitate travel, and strengthen interconnectivity among populations living in border regions. The successful realisation of this agreement could serve as a template for future partnerships across West Africa and beyond, fostering closer regional integration and cooperation.
