Free Roaming in Central Africa: three months to remove blockages 📱

Cliquez ici pour lire en français

CEMAC telecommunications ministers met in Bangui from March 10 to 12, 2025. They have given sector stakeholders three months to finally make free mobile roaming operational in the sub-region.

A project launched in 2021, but still at a standstill⏳

The idea of Free Roaming in Central Africa is not new. As early as November 2021, the six CEMAC member countries (Cameroon, Gabon, Chad, Central African Republic, Congo, and Equatorial Guinea) signed agreements aimed at eliminating extra charges for calls and internet browsing across national borders. Yet, more than three years later, implementation remains sluggish.

In April 2024, the Assembly of Central African Telecommunications Regulators (ARTAC) revealed that only two interconnections had been established out of the 213 planned. These involve MTN Cameroon and MTN Congo, as well as Airtel Gabon and Orange Cameroon. This limited progress reduces the expected benefits for users and slows the region’s digital integration.

Multiple and persistent roadblocks 🚧

Several obstacles are hindering the implementation of Free Roaming in Central Africa. The ministers gathered in Bangui identified the following issues :

• Slow administrative approval of agreements.
• Ongoing tariff negotiations between regulators.
• Delays in interconnection contracts.
• Technical and legal challenges in separating roaming and international traffic on direct interconnection links.
• The choice of technologies to ensure a harmonized implementation.

These hurdles penalize millions of users and hinder the free flow of communications. Yet, the telecommunications sector is crucial for the sub-region’s economic integration.

A 90-day ultimatum to act ⏱️

Faced with this situation, CEMAC ministers have put pressure on operators and regulators. They now have a three-month deadline to overcome these obstacles and make free roaming a reality.

Beyond simply removing roaming fees, this project is a key driver for digital development in Central Africa. A successful implementation could boost economic exchanges, reduce communication costs, and strengthen connectivity between CEMAC countries.

The question remains: will this ultimatum be enough to unlock the situation?

Tell us !!!
Do you think this time will be the right one for the effective implementation of Free Roaming? Share your thoughts in the comments! ☺️