Over 500 leaders and experts from the global Internet industry are set to gather in Lagos, Nigeria, for the 15th annual African Peering & Interconnection Forum (AfPIF) from August 19-21 at the Lagos Continental Hotel.
The forum will bring together a diverse group of stakeholders, including Internet Exchange Points (IXPs), data centers, cloud services, and government representatives. They will discuss how to improve Africa’s Internet ecosystem by focusing on infrastructure development, network interconnection, and content hosting. The goal is to reduce costs, enhance performance, and enhance the continent’s digital independence.
This year’s AfPIF will pay special attention to the West African region, with discussions centered on its policy environment, data centers, and content delivery. The program will feature a mix of workshops, keynotes, panel discussions, and networking events to encourage collaboration and knowledge sharing.
According to Kyle Spencer, Executive Director of the African IXP Association, AfPIF has played a crucial role in advancing local network interconnection for over 15 years, leading to increased investment and better access.
“This has spurred investment in data centers, content hosting, and cross-border infrastructure — reducing costs, boosting performance, and broadening access while strengthening Africa’s economic independence and digital sovereignty,” Spencer said.
Michuki Mwangi, a Distinguished Technologist with the Internet Society, noted that hosting the event in Nigeria—Africa’s most influential country—is a significant milestone. He believes Lagos is the perfect place to discuss the future of peering and interconnection, including how to address the infrastructure gaps between East and West Africa.
The event is organized by the African IXP Association, with support from the Internet Society. It is locally hosted by the Internet Exchange Point of Nigeria (IXPN), Rack Centre, and AF-CIX.
Muhammed Rudman, CEO of IXPN, expressed his excitement about welcoming stakeholders to Lagos, stating that the forum provides a great opportunity to foster collaboration among African nations and improve Internet access for all.