Free-roaming: Togo and Burkina Faso Connected Without Borders Starting May 2025 📱

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As of May 30, 2025, Togolese and Burkinabè citizens will be able to communicate without extra charges — a significant step forward for regional digital integration.

An Agreement Sealed in Lomé 🤝

The governments of Togo and Burkina Faso have formalized an agreement signed in Lomé. The goal is to allow mobile users in both countries to continue using their regular lines without incurring additional fees while traveling across borders. The agreement covers voice calls, SMS, and internet access.

For the first thirty days of stay, incoming calls will not be charged. Outgoing calls will be billed as if they were made locally in the visited country. This means users will enjoy conditions similar to those of a local subscription. Both governments also intend to ensure pricing transparency to prevent abuse.

A Cooperation Two Years in the Making 🔄

This partnership didn’t come out of nowhere. Since 2023, interactions between the two countries have increased, particularly between their telecom regulatory authorities: ARCEP-Togo and ARCEP-BF. A political boost is expected with the upcoming visit of a Burkinabè delegation to Lomé.

Togo already has similar agreements with several neighboring countries, including Ghana, Benin, and Côte d’Ivoire. Through this reform, the country reaffirms its regional strategy focused on connectivity and free data movement.

A Shared Vision for Digital Development 🌐

Cina Lawson and Aminata Zerbo-Sabane, the respective Ministers of Digital Affairs for Togo and Burkina Faso, have expressed their commitment to aligning standards and tools to facilitate this cooperation. Togo will make its network monitoring center available to ensure rigorous technical supervision.

The ambition goes beyond roaming. Other joint projects such as biometrics, cybersecurity, and payment system interoperability are also on the table. These priorities reflect a broader West African integration strategy.

Expected Impact Across Multiple Sectors 🚛

The elimination of roaming charges will have an immediate impact on economic life in border areas. Traders, transport operators, and service providers will be able to communicate more easily with their counterparts across the border, improving coordination in supply chains and distribution networks.

Structured sectors like tourism and professional services are also expected to benefit. Communication costs often act as a barrier for small businesses. Reducing this burden could boost their productivity.

A Boost in Attractiveness for Investors 📈

Beyond the advantages for users, the agreement sends a strong signal to operators and economic partners. The alignment of public policies, particularly in the telecom sector, enhances the clarity of the investment framework. This may encourage the entry of regional and international players.

This momentum could also advance financial inclusion efforts. Tools such as mobile payments require compatible rules across countries. This agreement thus serves as a springboard for further structural reforms.

Your opinion matters!
Would you like to enjoy free-roaming across the entire region? Let us know in the comments 😊