The Autorité de régulation des communications électroniques et des postes du Burkina Faso (ARCEP Burkina Faso), the Autorité malienne de régulation des télécommunications, des technologies de l’information et de la communication et des postes (AMRTP Mali), and the Autorité de régulation des communications électroniques et de la poste du Niger (ARCEP Niger) are set to sign a cooperation agreement on September 25, 2026, in Ouagadougou. The ceremony will take place at 3 pm at the KIBSA room of the Azalaï Hotel.
The agreement aims to enhance collaboration and mutualize experiences among the three regulatory authorities in the face of common challenges in the communications, technology, and postal sectors. The cooperation will cover areas such as community roaming within the AES space, consumer protection, cybersecurity, frequency management, and the introduction of emerging technologies.
One of the key outcomes of the agreement is the establishment of the Conseil des Régulateurs du Sahel (CRS), a permanent framework for consultation and coordination among the regulators. The CRS will facilitate the sharing of best practices, exchange of information, and joint initiatives among its members.
The cooperation agreement will also enable the three regulators to harmonize their positions in international forums and defend the common interests of the AES space. The regulators aim to promote a more structured cooperation that serves the interests of digital sovereignty, improved services, and user protection within the AES space.
The signing ceremony will bring together the heads of the three regulatory authorities, members of their delegations, representatives of public institutions, partners, and media professionals. The event is co-patronized by the ministers responsible for digital affairs in Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger.
By signing this agreement, ARCEP Burkina Faso, AMRTP Mali, and ARCEP Niger intend to lay the foundation for a more structured cooperation that promotes digital sovereignty, improved services, and user protection within the AES space. The agreement is expected to have a positive impact on the development of the communications and postal sectors in the region.
The cooperation agreement is a significant step towards promoting regional collaboration and coordination in the communications and postal sectors. It demonstrates the commitment of the regulators to work together to address common challenges and promote the interests of the AES space.
Key points
- The regulators of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger will establish a permanent framework for consultation and coordination, known as the Conseil des Régulateurs du Sahel (CRS).
- The cooperation agreement will cover areas such as community roaming, consumer protection, cybersecurity, and frequency management.
- The agreement aims to promote digital sovereignty, improved services, and user protection within the AES space.
