Central African countries agree to end mobile roaming charges from 2021 ⋆ central africa roaming

Central African countries agree to end mobile roaming charges from 2021

Representatives of the Central African economic and monetary community, known as CEMAC, have agreed to implement free roaming across member states from 01 January 2021, reports Agence Ecofin. central africa roaming

The countries – Cameroon, Congo, Gabon, Chad, Equatorial Guinea, and Central African Republic – have been in discussions on this topic for many years, with similar agreements being struck across the continent in recent years. For example, a union of Western African countries, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), had agreed to remove roaming fees for its 15 members back in 2017.

Finally confirmed, the roaming agreement will allow nationals of any of the CEMAC countries to visit these other selected nations without fear of expensive calls and texts.

“The Council welcomes this decision, which contributes to the densification of the integration of peoples within CEMAC, in that it aims to facilitate the mobility of populations through Information and Communication Technologies, reducing communication costs,” said a statement from the Union économique de l’Afrique centrale.

This agreement should also begin to encourage the national telcos to work together across borders, particularly when it comes to accessing subsea cables around the Gulf of Guinea.

End of roaming charges impact central africa roaming

The end of roaming charges is expected to have a positive impact on the regional economy, as it will make it easier for businesses to expand and for tourists to travel and explore the region. Additionally, it will improve access to information and communication for people in the region, fostering greater regional integration and cooperation.

In conclusion, the agreement to end mobile roaming charges in Central African countries is a significant step towards a more connected and integrated region, with the potential to boost trade, tourism, and economic growth.