Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL, The Gambia) – The Gambia, Sierra Leone, and Liberia have inked a historic free roaming deal to lower mobile prices for visitors between the three nations. The move removes expensive cross-border communication fees and improves regional connectivity.

The agreement, formalized during a three-day deliberation in Freetown (January 29-31), brings together regulators from The Gambia’s Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA), Liberia’s Telecommunications Authority (LTA), and Sierra Leone’s National Communications Authority (NatCA). It aligns with ECOWAS regulations to promote economic cooperation, trade, and mobility across the region.

For The Gambia, the agreement is expected to boost trade, tourism, and business operations by allowing seamless communication for citizens and businesses traveling within the three countries. The elimination of roaming charges means reduced costs for businesses engaging in cross-border transactions and a more attractive environment for regional investment.

Abdullah L. Kamara, Acting Chairperson of LTA, described the initiative as a transformative step toward regional economic integration. “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 said.

With The Gambia’s economy heavily reliant on tourism and trade, the ability for travelers and business operators to use their mobile networks without additional costs is expected to facilitate smoother operations and enhance the country’s appeal as a business hub.

The agreement also lays the groundwork for improved access to digital services, helping bridge the digital divide and encourage broader participation in the digital economy.

The next phase involves finalizing pricing arrangements with international carriers to ensure lower mobile tariffs and expanded coverage. Mobile network operators will play a critical role in implementing the agreement, and regulatory bodies will work closely with them to ensure compliance and a smooth transition.

This initiative is part of a broader effort to expand free-roaming agreements across all ECOWAS member states, a move that could contribute significantly to Africa’s projected $180 billion digital economy by 2025. By lowering transaction costs and fostering greater regional integration, The Gambia is poised to benefit from increased economic activity and enhanced digital connectivity, reinforcing its position within the West African market.