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.
The discussions surfaced key challenges: inconsistent interpretation of the framework across countries, gaps in regulatory oversight, risks of illicit practices such as SIM boxing, and the need for balanced pricing models. Addressing these gaps, Partner States affirmed, will deliver even greater benefits for both consumers and operators.
The consultations also showcased strong political will across the region. The Democratic Republic of Congo and South Sudan pledged to fully align with ONA, while Somalia noted efforts were underway to develop a roadmap to fast-track participation. Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Uganda reiterated their readiness to harmonise policies that ensure citizens enjoy seamless, affordable roaming across borders.
A revised framework will introduce new safeguards against fraud, fair usage rules, and clear enforcement mechanisms. It will also adapt to innovations such as e-SIMs, IoT roaming and data-driven services, keeping pace with the evolving telecommunications landscape.
Recognising that inclusion is key, Partner States emphasised the importance of public awareness campaigns, particularly targeting small cross-border traders who stand to gain the most from affordable and reliable connectivity.
For citizens, the benefits are tangible: lower roaming costs, more reliable mobile services, and greater opportunities to trade, connect, and do business across the region.
For operators, the reforms promise a fairer, more predictable environment for investment and innovation.
Through EARDIP, the EAC Partner States are demonstrating that regional integration is not only about policy agreements, but about delivering real, practical benefits to citizens and businesses in their daily lives. The enhancements to the ONA framework mark a concrete step toward a digitally connected Eastern Africa, where affordable communication powers trade, mobility, and social inclusion.