Advancing Affordable and Sustainable Roaming through the One Network Area
As part of the Eastern Africa Regional Digital Integration Project (EARDIP), the East African Community (EAC) has taken a major step forward in strengthening cross-border digital connectivity. In August 2025, the eight EAC Partner States convened national consultations under EARDIP Component 1: Connectivity Development and Market Integration, focusing on enhancements to the One Network Area (ONA) roaming framework.
The ONA has already lowered roaming costs across the region, but the consultations revealed that further harmonisation is vital to unlock its full potential. Governments, regulators, and mobile network operators agreed that a stronger ONA will not only make communication more affordable for citizens, but also ensure that network operators can sustainably invest in infrastructure that underpins regional integration.
