The East African Community (EAC) is developing a harmonised regional mobile roaming framework aimed at reducing cross-border communication costs and improving seamless connectivity across the region.
Engagements have begun in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania’s commercial capital.
The bloc says high roaming charges continue to affect traders, travellers and businesses, with affordable connectivity essential for trade, tourism and regional integration.
Andrea Ariik Malueth, EAC Deputy Secretary-General, said digital connectivity is a key enabler of regional integration and economic transformation.
“Cross-border traders, transport operators, tourists and businesses depend heavily on reliable mobile communication services,” he said.
“By advancing a harmonised regional roaming framework, the EAC is addressing a key barrier to movement, trade and socio-economic interaction.”
The proposed framework is expected to support affordable voice, SMS and data services across borders while strengthening digital inclusion and regional trade.
Established in 1967, the EAC is an intergovernmental organisation comprising eight member states: Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya, Rwanda, Somalia, South Sudan, Uganda and Tanzania.
The bloc is headquartered in Arusha, Tanzania, and represents a population of more than 524.6 million people.
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