The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is hosting the 14th annual African Peering and Interconnection Forum (AfPIF) from August 20 to 24, 2024, marking a significant milestone in the continent’s digital evolution. The event, taking place at the Hilton Hotel in Kinshasa, gathers over 500 participants, including global tech giants like Meta, Amazon, Netflix, and regional leaders, to strategize on enhancing Africa’s Internet infrastructure.
The forum is a key platform for discussions on improving network interconnection, reducing connectivity costs, and expanding Internet access across Africa. Organized by the Internet Society (ISOC) and the African IXP Association (AfIX), in partnership with the Internet Service Providers Association of DRC (ISPA DRC), AfPIF has become a cornerstone event in the African Internet landscape.
AfPIF’s mission is to address the challenge of local Internet traffic being routed outside the continent, which often leads to slower speeds and higher costs. Since its inception 14 years ago, the forum has played a crucial role in increasing intra-Africa Internet traffic from a mere 160 Mbps to over 4.6 Tbps. Central to this progress has been the proliferation of Internet Exchange Points (IXPs), which allow for local traffic exchanges, reducing dependency on international routes.
Kyle Spencer, Executive Director of the African IXP Association, highlighted the significance of this year’s venue, stating, “The DRC is a pivotal market in Africa, with its digital infrastructure poised for rapid expansion. The developments in cross-border backbone, metro fiber, and data center infrastructure will not only boost connectivity within Congo but also enhance regional integration, thereby fostering economic growth and cultural exchange.”
Hosting the AfPIF is a notable achievement for the DRC, a country with a population of over 100 million. The presence of three IXPs within the DRC is already making a difference, offering faster and more affordable Internet to millions of users. Nico Tshintu Bakajika, President of ISPA DRC, expressed pride in the DRC’s role in this digital transformation, emphasizing the impact of IXPs in delivering cost-effective Internet services to the Congolese people.
This year’s AfPIF is expected to generate actionable insights and foster partnerships that will be instrumental in driving the next phase of Internet growth in Africa. Participants will engage in discussions on how to leverage IXPs to further lower the cost of Internet services and improve the quality of connectivity across the continent. As Africa continues to build its digital infrastructure, forums like AfPIF remain crucial in ensuring that the benefits of the Internet are widely accessible to all Africans.
The AfPIF conference, with its focus on peering and interconnection, continues to be a vital component in the journey toward a more connected and digitally inclusive Africa. The DRC’s role as host underscores the country’s growing importance in the region’s digital landscape and its commitment to advancing Internet development on the continent.