East African States Plan Enhanced Regional Roaming Framework to Reduce Cross-Border Costs
The Eastern Africa Regional Digital Integration Project conducted national consultations across partner states in August 2025 to strengthen the EAC One Network Area framework. Subsequently, governments, regulators, and mobile operators agreed to address remaining gaps in the regional roaming system that has already reduced costs but requires further improvements for sustainable cross-border connectivity.
Regulatory Harmonization Targets Fraud Prevention and Fair Competition
Partner states identified the need for standardized interconnect regulatory frameworks to enhance cost efficiency and streamline traffic routing. Moreover, stakeholders agreed that revised frameworks must tackle illicit practices such as SIM boxing while establishing fair usage rules to prevent system misuse. Dr. Franklin Makokha from Kenya’s Communications Authority stated that “we need to advance regional connectivity with a focus on affordability, accessibility, and interoperability.”
Additionally, the consultations emphasized protecting smaller operators from being priced out by larger market players. Therefore, clear regional enforcement mechanisms will form part of the enhanced framework. The Democratic Republic of Congo highlighted its commitment to full ONA alignment, with Director Dominique Mungimba Moket noting that “DRC seeks to align fully in order to benefit from participation in the ONA.”
Consumer Education and Technology Adaptation Drive Implementation Strategy
Effective consumer education campaigns emerged as critical components for framework success. Furthermore, stakeholders noted that current consumer awareness of ONA remains limited, leading to underutilization of available services. Ms. Julianne Mweheire from Uganda Communications Commission emphasized that “the message is simple, ONA must work for everyone, the trader crossing a border, the student studying abroad, and the operator investing in networks; closing the gaps in ONA will unlock vast opportunities.”
The revised framework will adapt to emerging technologies including e-SIMs, IoT roaming, and data-driven services. Consequently, partner states expressed strong support for citizen-focused digital initiatives demonstrating clear socio-economic benefits. The enhanced system promises lower roaming costs and improved connectivity for consumers while providing fairer rules and stronger protections for mobile network operators across the region.
Recommended