UEMOA Signs Roaming Agreements to Promote Regional Integration

Representatives from UEMOA member states sign roaming agreements.

AFRICAN STOCKS AND FINANCEOctober 27, 2026 at 7:42 AM UTC

TLDR

Burkina Faso has signed three bilateral roaming agreements with Benin, Côte d'Ivoire, and Senegal.
The agreements aim to reduce telecommunications costs for users traveling within the UEMOA region.
This initiative is in line with UEMOA's "Impact 2030" strategic plan for regional integration.

Burkina Faso has signed three bilateral roaming agreements with Benin, Côte d'Ivoire, and Senegal. These agreements, signed under the auspices of UEMOA, aim to reduce telecommunications costs for users traveling within the region. The signing ceremony took place on October 23, 2026, in Ouagadougou. Burkina Faso’s Minister of Digital Transition, Aminata Zerbo/Sabane, attended the event.

These protocols were signed by Wendlassida Patrice Compaoré, current chair of the Committee of National Digital Regulators of UEMOA Member States (CRNN), along with representatives from the regulatory authorities of Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, and Senegal. The initiative is part of an ambitious regional interconnection strategy for UEMOA. It reflects a shared commitment to making regional integration a reality in people’s daily lives.

The three bilateral agreements represent a key milestone for cross-border mobility within UEMOA. This commitment aligns with the UEMOA Commission’s 2025–2030 Strategic Plan, known as Impact 2030. This roadmap aims to give new momentum to the regional integration process. It also strengthens the Commission’s capacity to support the structural transformation of member states’ economies.

The true impact of these agreements will be measured by their effective implementation and the tangible benefits they bring to users. Minister Aminata Zerbo/Sabane emphasized the importance of clear and transparent communication with users. This communication must cover the applicable technical and commercial conditions, as well as the procedures to follow in the event of difficulties. These agreements mark a turning point for cross-border mobility and cost relief for the public.

The exact date for the effective implementation of these agreements has not yet been specified by the regulatory authorities. Mamadú Serifo Jaquite, Commissioner in charge of the UEMOA Department of Human Development, clarified that this initiative aligns with the Impact 2030 Strategic Plan. This plan is designed to boost regional integration and support the economic transformation of member countries. The goal is to make regional integration a tangible reality.

Key Takeaways

These bilateral roaming agreements, signed under the auspices of UEMOA, represent a significant step forward for regional integration and the daily lives of citizens. By reducing telecommunications costs for people on the move, the initiative addresses a direct need of the population and facilitates cross-border mobility, an essential pillar for trade and cultural exchange. This effort is fully aligned with the UEMOA Commission’s 2025–2030 Strategic Plan, “Impact 2030,” which aims to give new impetus to the integration process and support the structural transformation of member states’ economies. The active participation of national regulatory authorities, such as ARCEP Burkina Faso, ARCEP Benin, ARTCI Côte d’Ivoire, and ARTP Senegal, is fundamental to the implementation and oversight of these objectives. Minister Aminata Zerbo/Sabane’s emphasis on clear and transparent communication with users regarding technical and commercial terms, as well as procedures in the event of difficulties, underscores the importance of a smooth and understandable transition for the general public. Although the effective implementation date has yet to be specified, these agreements symbolize a shared political will to make regional integration a tangible reality—beyond mere declarations—by directly impacting essential services and promoting better connectivity within the WAEMU region. This approach lays the groundwork for future collaboration on other initiatives aimed at harmonizing services and stimulating regional economic development, thereby strengthening the Union’s cohesion.

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