African Peering & Interconnection Forum (AfPIF) convenes amid push for inland connectivity

By The Inspirer.

Kigali, Rwanda — August 13, 2026 — Rwanda is set to host the 15th edition of the African Peering & Interconnection Forum (AfPIF) from August 17–20 in Kigali, bringing together more than 500 leaders and experts from the global Internet community to discuss the future of Africa’s Internet ecosystem.

The four-day forum will focus on advancing solutions that strengthen digital infrastructure, improve network interconnection and expand local content hosting across the continent.

By fostering a more connected and resilient Internet, these efforts can help lower the cost of delivering digital services, improve online performance and strengthen Africa’s capacity to shape and sustain its own digital future.

Organised by the African IXP Association (Af-IX) and supported by the Rwanda Internet Community and Technology Alliance (RICTA), AfPIF is a leading forum for Africa’s Internet stakeholders to exchange ideas, build partnerships and advance practical solutions for strengthening the continent’s digital infrastructure and Internet ecosystem.

“Hosting this year’s AfPIF in Rwanda gives us an important opportunity to put the spotlight on the realities of building and strengthening Internet infrastructure in inland East and Central Africa. We’re looking closely at both the challenges and opportunities facing inland markets that don’t have direct access to submarine cable landing stations, while exploring how stronger interconnection, carrier-neutral data centres, and local content delivery can help build a more resilient and affordable Internet across Africa,” said Kyle Spencer, Executive Director of the African IXP Association.

“We’re looking forward to bringing our community together to share experience, identify solutions, and build the partnerships needed to turn these opportunities into lasting progress,” he added.

As the local host of AfPIF 2026, RICTA is welcoming delegates from across Africa and around the world to Rwanda. The forum returns to the country for the second time, following the successful 2022 edition.

“This year’s forum brings together a diverse community of stakeholders from across the Internet ecosystem, including Internet Exchange Points (IXPs), data centres, cloud and content delivery providers, Internet service providers, submarine cable operators, technology companies, governments, academia, research institutions, development partners, community networks, and the media,” said Grace Ingabire, CEO of RICTA.

“This rich diversity of expertise and perspectives is essential to fostering collaboration, strengthening Africa’s digital infrastructure, and accelerating the continent’s digital transformation,” she added.

Hosted at the Kigali Marriott Hotel, AfPIF 2026 will explore the opportunities and challenges shaping East Africa’s digital future, with a particular focus on Internet policy, carrier-neutral data centres and content delivery infrastructure.

The programme will feature workshops, keynote addresses, panel discussions, bilateral meetings, lightning talks and networking events designed to share practical insights, encourage collaboration and support new partnerships and investment across Africa’s Internet ecosystem.

“We warmly invite delegates to make the most of their time in Rwanda by experiencing the country’s vibrant digital and business landscape, discovering new opportunities for investment and innovation, and building partnerships that can contribute to the growth of Africa’s digital economy,” Ingabire added.

About the African IXP Association

The African IXP Association (Af-IX) is a regional association dedicated to advancing the proliferation of Internet Exchange Points (IXPs) across the African continent. By promoting the establishment and growth of IXPs, Af-IX contributes to enhancing local Internet traffic exchange, reducing costs, improving network performance and fostering digital innovation across Africa.

About RICTA

The Rwanda Internet Community and Technology Alliance (RICTA) is a not-for-profit organisation representing Rwanda’s Internet community. Established in 2005, RICTA is responsible for managing the .RW country-code top-level domain and the Rwanda Internet Exchange Point.