Ghana and The Gambia team up to offer free roaming services, boosting regional connectivity
Ghana and The Gambia are set to launch a free roaming initiative, enhancing digital connectivity and promoting economic integration across West Africa. This collaboration, led by Ghana’s Ministry of Communications and Digitalisation and the National Communications Authority (NCA), will allow mobile users in both countries to use their phones without the extra charges for calls, texts, and data while travelling between them.
The free roaming plan is a significant step in strengthening West African ties, with the goal of boosting trade, tourism, and overall economic growth in the region. This initiative aligns with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS)’s broader mission to create seamless communication between member states.
Enhancing cross-border communication
Mobile users in Ghana and The Gambia will now be able to make calls, send messages, and use data services without worrying about hefty roaming charges, which often hinder smoother communication and cross-border interactions. This will help businesses operate more efficiently and allow tourists to stay connected with ease, making the region even more attractive for travel and trade.
The partnership is expected to stimulate regional economic activity by making it easier for businesses to communicate and operate across borders. The move will also make it simpler for individuals to connect with friends and family across countries, enhancing cultural exchange.
A model for the region
This free-roaming initiative builds on Ghana’s successful implementation of similar agreements with Côte d’Ivoire, Togo, and Benin, as well as discussions of potential roaming partnerships with Liberia. In June 2023, Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire became the first ECOWAS countries to implement a free-roaming plan. Subscribers in both countries could receive calls without paying roaming fees and make calls at local rates, setting a precedent for other West African nations to follow.
Strengthening West Africa’s digital future
The partnership between Ghana and The Gambia is a clear example of how digital solutions can drive regional transformation. By eliminating barriers to communication, these nations are paving the way for more integrated economies, stronger collaborations, and easier travel across borders. This move highlights the power of technology to bring people and businesses together, fostering regional growth and cooperation.
As more countries in West Africa adopt similar free-roaming initiatives, the region is set to become even more digitally connected, helping Africa remain competitive in a rapidly evolving global economy. The Ghana-The Gambia partnership is a step forward in a broader continental vision that uses technology to solve challenges and promote a more prosperous future for all.
