Mali has entered into two mobile roaming agreements with fellow West African countries, Benin and Togo, with implementation expected before the end of February 2024, Agence Ecofin reports. Mali roaming Benin Togo

The Malian Authority for the Regulation of Telecommunications/ICT and Post (L’Autorite Malienne de Regulation des Telecommunications/TIC et des Postes, AMRTP) signed bilateral memorandums of understanding (MoUs) with its Beninese and Togolese regulatory counterparts on December 9 to eliminate roaming charges and reduce communication costs for mobile phone users travelling between the respective countries.

Roaming Deal: Free Calls for 30 Days, Low Rates After Mali roaming Benin Togo

Under the terms of the agreement, roaming users will be able to receive calls free of charge during the first 30 days of their visit. In addition, local calls will cost a maximum of XOF79 (USD0.13) per minute; calls to the roamers’ home country will be capped at XOF150 per minute; and mobile internet will be billed at a maximum of XOF2.2 per MB.

The Mali/Benin/Togo regulators’ joint statement said: ‘Regulatory authorities will continue, with the support of their respective governments, efforts to eliminate roaming charges between ECOWAS  countries through the multiplication of similar agreements to achieve the objective of mobility and community digital integration.’

Previously, Benin and Togo signed a bilateral roaming agreement in October this year, before Togo reached a roaming pact with Cote d’Ivoire on December 6. Earlier, at the end of June, Cote d’Ivoire and Ghana launched mutual roaming without surcharges via ECOWAS regulations, while Ghana and Togo are in the process of finalizing a similar arrangement under the ECOWAS framework. Furthermore, according to the latest report, a roaming agreement should also become effective between Cote d’Ivoire and Burkina Faso from 15 December 2023.

Here are some of the benefits of the roaming agreements:

• Reduced roaming costs: Mobile phone users in Mali will be able to roam freely in Benin and Togo at no additional cost. This will save them money on roaming charges.
• Improved connectivity: The agreements will help to improve connectivity in the region by allowing mobile phone users to roam seamlessly across borders.
• Increased tourism: The agreements will make it more attractive for tourists to visit Mali, Benin, and Togo.
• Enhanced economic development: The agreements will help to boost economic development in the region by making it easier for businesses to operate across borders.

Overall, the roaming agreements are a positive step forward for Mali, Benin, and Togo. They will benefit mobile phone users, businesses, and the economy as a whole.