Liberia, Ivory Coast Sign Free Roaming Agreement

The Liberia Telecommunications Authority (LTA) is pleased to announce the successful signing of a landmark Free Roaming agreement with the Republic of Côte d'Ivoire, aimed at eliminating additional roaming charges and improving cross-border mobile communications between the two neighboring countries. The agreement was signed on August 6, 2025, during a high-level bilateral engagement between officials of the LTA and representatives from Côte d'Ivoire's Autorité de Régulation des Télécommunications/TIC de Côte d'Ivoire (ARTCI). The initiative marks a major step forward in regional telecommunications cooperation and supports the vision of a more integrated and digitally connected West Africa. Under this Free Roaming arrangement, mobile phone users in Liberia and Ivory Coast will now be able to make calls, send texts, and use mobile data services while traveling across borders without incurring exorbitant roaming fees. This move will significantly reduce communication costs for citizens, travelers, traders, and businesspeople operating between the two countries. Speaking at the signing ceremony, LTA Chairperson Clarence Massaquoi described the agreement as a milestone in Liberia’s digital transformation agenda. “This Free Roaming agreement demonstrates our commitment to regional integration and economic cooperation,” said Hon. Massaquoi. “It will directly benefit our people by reducing barriers to communication and enhancing trade, tourism, and mobility.” The agreement is in line with the ECOWAS Free Roaming initiative, which aims to establish a "Roam Like At Home" regime across West African countries. Liberia and Côte d'Ivoire now join other ECOWAS Member States that have taken concrete steps to implement this framework, promoting seamless and affordable mobile communication within the region. ARTCI also welcomed the collaboration, noting that cross-border connectivity is vital to regional development. “This agreement strengthens the bonds between our two countries and helps bridge the digital divide,” ARTCI stated. The LTA has pledged to work closely with mobile network operators in Liberia to ensure the smooth and timely implementation of the agreement. Public awareness campaigns and technical workshops will be conducted to educate consumers on how to take advantage of the new roaming benefits. With this agreement, Liberia continues to position itself as a proactive player in the digital integration of West Africa. The LTA remains committed to expanding partnerships that support affordable, inclusive, and sustainable access to telecommunications services for all Liberians.