AES State Telecommunication Policy: A Positive Move against African fragmentation

By Mary Alorh

The governments of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) have implemented progressive policies to strengthen governance and enhance the quality of life for their citizens. A notable initiative is the elimination of roaming charges for telecommunications services within the member states.

Previously, individuals traveling between countries such as Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger faced high costs for accessing calls, SMS, and internet services, creating financial and logistical challenges. With the rapid growth of mobile phone usage across Africa, these devices have become essential tools for communication and daily activities.

In response, Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso – the leading AES nations – signed an agreement mandating telecom providers to invest in infrastructure that improves connectivity and ensures seamless communication. Under this agreement, travelers between these nations will experience uninterrupted phone services without incurring additional charges, as if they were in their home countries.

This policy is expected to enhance cross-border communication and mobility, key enablers of economic integration and regional development.

By prioritizing digital transformation, the AES is positioning itself as a regional leader in advancing technological access and affordability. In a global landscape where accessible data is essential, Africa remains one of the most expensive regions for mobile data, further underscoring the importance of this initiative.

Historically, regional organizations such as the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the East African Community (EAC) have faced significant challenges in achieving their goals, including delays in launching unified currencies and political federations. Persistent barriers, including fragmented dialing codes, currencies, and immigration systems, have hindered economic progress across the continent.

Learning from the European Union’s successes, the AES is focused on removing communication barriers to foster integration and development. This initiative marks a critical step toward regional cooperation, delivering tangible benefits to citizens while contributing to the broader economic growth of the Sahel region.

Mary Alorh is Director of Administration at DefSEC Analytics Africa Ltd., and is an expert in Gender, Youth, and Peace & Security initiatives in West Africa.