In a bid to foster seamless communication and bolster regional integration, Benin and Ghana are set to introduce a pioneering free-roaming initiative effective from July 1, 2024. The initiative, spearheaded by Benin’s Electronic Communications and Postal Regulatory Authority (ARCEP) and Ghana’s National Communications Authority (NCA), marks a significant milestone in enhancing connectivity across borders.
ARCEP underscored the memorandum of understanding’s importance, emphasizing its potential to substantially lower roaming charges for citizens of both nations. This initiative aligns with the broader objectives of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), aiming to facilitate free movement of people, goods, and services within the region.
ECOWAS Spearheads Regional Connectivity Drive: Ghana Leads the Charge with Free Roaming Agreements
ECOWAS, a pivotal regional political and economic union comprising fifteen West African countries, seeks to promote collective self-sufficiency and foster economic integration among member states. With Ghana already at the forefront, having signed two previous ECOWAS free-roaming agreements, the upcoming initiative promises further advancements in regional connectivity.
Moreover, recent collaborations such as the successful implementation of free roaming between Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire in February 2024, along with bilateral roaming services established between Ghana and Togo, underscore the region’s commitment to enhancing telecommunications infrastructure and connectivity.
Additionally, significant strides in technology and innovation, such as the deployment of Google’s Equiano subsea cable and the launch of Senegal’s first satellite, GAINDESAT, demonstrate the region’s determination to bridge digital divides and accelerate socio-economic development.
By fostering greater connectivity and collaboration, these initiatives pave the way for a more integrated and prosperous West Africa, poised to harness the full potential of its digital future.
