Tanzania has joined the East African Community’s (EAC) harmonised mobile roaming framework, Chimp Corps report.

The move expected to lower the cost of telecommunication in the region.

The regional body’s 16^th Sectoral Council of Transport, Communication and Meteorology (TCM) had given Tanzania until March 31, 2020 to finalize its analysis on the implementation of the EAC roaming framework.

“We wish to inform you that the United Republic of Tanzania has concluded the consultations and is now ready to start implementation of the EAC roaming framework,” said Tanzania’s Foreign Affairs Ministry Acting Permanent Secretary, Stephen Mbundi in a letter to the EAC Secretariat.

The Roaming Framework which provides for the harmonisation of mobile calling and data charges had so far only been implemented by Rwanda, Kenya and Uganda.

The initial deadline by the EAC Heads of State Summit for the implementation of the roaming framework was 2015.

“We are, therefore, writing to officially inform you of this development as was directed by the 16^th Sectoral Council of Transport, Communications and Meteorology held in June 2019, Kampala Uganda,” said Mbundi.

Tanzania’s decision to implement the mobile framework will boost communication with its regional partners especially after the commencement of the African Continental Free Trade Area on January 1.

Uganda’s Ambassador to Tanzania, Richard Kabonero, recently said investing in modern communication technologies and harmonizing mobile roaming charges were a prerequisite for fostering regional trade and cooperation.

“If we bring down the cost of communication in the region, we will see more engagement among our people which ultimately enhances regional cooperation, cross border trade and security,” said Kabonero at a previous event.

According to the EAC Trade and Investment Report 2018, key developments with potential to influence future trade and investment outcomes, include the positive economic growth of the Region that positions the EAC as a trade and investment hub; the growing Global Value Chains that impact on agricultural production and industrial processes; logistical infrastructural development; and the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

The East African Economy expanded at 5.7 percent in 2018, up from 5.6 percent in 2017.

This was attributed to increased infrastructure investment in roads, rail and electricity; increased private consumption as well as recovery of commodity exports buoyed by improved weather conditions.

The construction sector improved in the whole of the EAC. There was also remarkable expansion of the services sector, particularly information and communication technology as well as manufacturing.

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