Regulation

Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso aim to coordinate radio spectrum along borders

Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso aim to coordinate radio spectrum along borders

The three member states of the confederation known as the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) – Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso – have signed an agreement to coordinate the use of radio frequencies along their shared borders.

The agreement, signed late last week, sets up mechanisms to prevent interference and signal jamming within a 15-kilometre zone on each side of the borders. It is said to represent a new step in the expanding digital cooperation between Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso.

The Ecofin news agency says that the agreement calls for harmonising frequency parameters and coordination procedures. It also includes creating information-sharing systems among national regulators, holding regular meetings to resolve cross-border interference issues and updating the regulatory framework to support the rollout of new technologies and the evolution of the digital market.

Similar issues have recently exercised other parts of Africa, notably Congo and Angola, which addressed the issue in August, as did Ghana and Burkina Faso.

The signing of the AES  agreement took place on the sidelines of the recent Digital Week, a Burkinabe tech event. The three countries’ data protection authorities had earlier adopted a joint roadmap to reinforce their digital sovereignty. They had also committed to a common position against rising cyberthreats and, a year ago, signed an agreement to eliminate roaming fees.

In addition, a shared roadmap covering digital and telecom projects was due to begin this year, focusing on regulation, cybersecurity, network interconnection, ICT training and infrastructure improvement. Satellite acquisition, to strengthen coverage, is also planned.

As Ecofin points out, however, actual implementation is key. For example, free roaming within the AES was expected to come into effect on 1 January 2025, but there has been no formal announcement that it has been applied.



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