Sahel Nations Set to Establish Digital Regulatory Council

Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger are poised to take a significant step forward in their digital cooperation. The telecommunications regulators of the three countries are scheduled to sign an agreement on September 25, 2026, in Ouagadougou, establishing the Sahel Regulators Council (CRS). This new body will be tasked with coordinating their actions within the framework of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES).

A Permanent Framework for Collaboration

The upcoming council will serve as a permanent exchange platform for:

ARCEP Burkina Faso
AMRTP Mali
ARCEP Niger

Their collaboration will focus on several key areas, including:

Community roaming
Cybersecurity
Consumer protection
Frequency management

Additionally, the three authorities plan to:

Facilitate the mutual recognition of certified equipment
Coordinate infrastructure development
Better regulate cross-border postal activities
Coordinate the introduction of emerging technologies
Align their positions in international bodies

Building on Existing Digital Cooperation

This initiative builds upon an already established trajectory of digital cooperation. In April 2025, the personal data protection authorities of the three nations created a common framework to harmonize their practices, share experiences, and strengthen data governance.

Strategic Implications for Digital Operators

For operators and digital companies operating across multiple AES countries, the stakes are tangible. Enhanced regulatory coordination is expected to:

Facilitate the deployment of digital equipment and services
Reduce regulatory divergences between the three markets

This move signals a growing commitment to creating a more unified and efficient digital ecosystem across the Sahel region.