Sierra Leone, Liberia and The Gambia have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to implement the ECOWAS Regulation on Roaming for public mobile networks.

This initiative aims to provide free incoming calls and reduce costs for outgoing calls, SMS, and data for travelers between the three countries.

The signing ceremony took place at Mamba Point, Lagoonda Resort in Freetown, with representatives from WATRA, LTA, PURA, NATCA, and key Mobile Network Operators such as Orange and Qcell in attendance. The agreement is expected to eliminate high roaming charges and improve regional connectivity.

WATRA Executive Secretary Aliyu Yusuf Aboki, speaking via Zoom from Nigeria, emphasized the importance of the agreement in fostering economic growth and digital transformation in the ECOWAS region.

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NATCA Director General Amara Brewah highlighted the need for continuous collaboration among regulators, mobile operators, and policymakers to ensure effective implementation.

The agreement will officially take effect on May 2, 2025, allowing Sierra Leonean and Liberian travelers to enjoy free incoming calls and local rates for outgoing calls, SMS, and data. Travelers from The Gambia will benefit from the same services starting July 1, 2025.

This initiative builds on the Abidjan Protocol, which initially aimed for ECOWAS-wide free roaming but faced implementation challenges. In response, regulators are now pursuing bilateral and multilateral agreements, proving more effective.

LTA Chairman Abdullah L. Kamara revealed that Liberia is in discussions with Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, Togo, and Benin to expand the initiative by the end of 2025. Stakeholders recognize that successful implementation will require technical readiness, regulatory cooperation, and ongoing dialogue between governments and mobile operators.