Gabon and Cameroon have introduced reciprocal mobile roaming arrangements allowing subscribers to use telecommunications services in the neighbouring country at local rates, removing additional charges traditionally associated with international roaming.
The measure took effect on November 10 and covers four operators: Moov Africa, Gabon Telecom and Airtel Gabon in Gabon, as well as MTN Cameroon and Orange Cameroun in Cameroon, Gabon Review reported.
Under the arrangement, customers travelling between the two countries can make and receive calls, send text messages and access mobile internet without the usual international roaming surcharges. The reciprocal system applies to subscribers of all four participating operators, according to a statement from Gabon’s Ministry of Digital Economy.
The initiative is expected to benefit travellers, businesses and communities with regular cross-border connections, particularly in the Woleu-Ntem region of northern Gabon, which borders Cameroon.
Implementation involved Gabon’s Ministry of Digital Economy, the Electronic Communications and Postal Regulatory Authority (ARCEP), the Society for Digital Infrastructure Assets (SPIN) and the National Agency for Digital Infrastructure and Frequencies (ANINF).
The agreement is part of wider efforts to strengthen digital connectivity and regional integration in Central Africa. Gabon had previously introduced similar roaming arrangements with the Republic of the Congo in 2020 and Togo in 2022.
The latest measure is intended to make cross-border communication more affordable and support closer economic and social links between Gabon and Cameroon.
