Regional calling rates to fall under new plan

The cost of calling across the region is set to significantly drop after Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda and South Sudan agreed to revise their tax regimes.

Speaking in Mombasa on Wednesday at the ongoing connected Kenya summit, Communications Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i noted that the move is expected boost business across the region.

The decision is in line with ongoing efforts to promote integration among the four countries under the Northern corridor infrastructure summit commonly referred to as the Coalition of the willing.

It follows an order from the Heads of State from the quartet to information communication technology ministers to come up with ways of addressing the high rates of calling within the region.

“We are committed to bring down the cost of doing business across the region. The ministerial technical teams have been meeting since November and have identified various measures that will lead to lower calling rates. We are looking at reducing taxes or completely eliminating it,” said Mr Matiang’i.

Details of the proposed taxation changes will be revealed after the ministerial committee has presented its recommendations to Heads of States in May.

COMMITTED TO EFFORT
ICT minister for Rwanda Jean Philbert Nsengimana said his country is committed to any efforts towards lowering the cost of business across the region.

“High calling rates in the region have been a big problem and a major hindrance for business growth and integration.

‘‘Lowering the rates will greatly improve the economic prospects for the region,” said Mr Nsengimana.

The announcement was made following a meeting of ICT ministers from the four countries Wednesday.