African Peering Forum Enhances Internet Connectivity in Africa

The African Peering and Interconnection Forum was established in 2010 to address the challenges of Internet connectivity in Africa, where local traffic previously routed through Europe or North America. The initiative has led to the establishment of over 70 Internet exchange points across the continent, increasing Internet penetration from less than 10% in 2010 to over 38% today.

The Forum met in Lagos last year to promote national and cross-border interconnection and will reconvene in Kigali next week. The Forum emphasizes the importance of building a strong African technical community, ensuring affordable and reliable Internet access, and providing a safe online experience.

The International Telecommunication Union reports that a smartphone can cost up to 40% of the average monthly income in some African countries, and mobile Internet is 14 times more expensive in Africa than in Europe. The Forum aims to reduce these costs and enhance the overall digital ecosystem in Africa.