Why Kigali Is Hosting One of Africa’s Biggest Internet Infrastructure Forums

Kigali will host the African Peering and Interconnection Forum (AfPIF) from 18–20 August 2026, bringing together internet infrastructure experts, network operators, data centres, policymakers and other industry players from across Africa and beyond.

The three-day event will take place at the Kigali Marriott Hotel and is being organised by the African IXP Association (AFIX) in partnership with the Rwanda Internet Community and Technology Alliance (RICTA).

What is AfPIF?

AfPIF is an annual Internet industry forum focused on how networks across Africa connect and exchange traffic. The event was launched in 2010 as a non-profit community initiative aimed at strengthening Africa's Internet ecosystem.

The 2026 edition is the 15th annual AfPIF. Organisers say the forum typically attracts between 300 and 500 participants, including Internet exchange point operators, network providers, data centre operators, content providers, policymakers, technical experts, researchers and development partners.

Why Internet infrastructure matters

When people think about the Internet, they often think about websites, social media and mobile apps. Behind those services, however, is a large network of infrastructure that allows data to move between users and online services.

One important part of that infrastructure is an Internet Exchange Point (IXP). IXPs allow different networks to exchange Internet traffic directly, which can help keep more traffic local rather than sending it through networks outside the region.

AFIX describes IXPs as core Internet infrastructure that can provide faster and more cost-effective local bandwidth.

What will be discussed in Kigali?

AfPIF 2026 will cover several areas shaping Africa's Internet infrastructure, including network interconnection, Internet exchange points, data centres, submarine cables, backbone and rural networks, Internet policy, research, and emerging technologies.

The forum also aims to create opportunities for industry players to share knowledge, build partnerships and strengthen network infrastructure across the continent.

For Rwanda, hosting the event puts Kigali at the centre of conversations about how Africa can build a more resilient and interconnected Internet ecosystem.

Why this matters to Rwanda

A stronger Internet infrastructure ecosystem can have an impact beyond the technology industry. Reliable and affordable connectivity supports businesses, digital services, online education, cloud applications and other parts of the digital economy.

With AfPIF coming to Kigali, Rwanda will have an opportunity to connect local Internet stakeholders with organisations working on infrastructure across Africa and globally.

The event will therefore be more than a technology conference. It will provide a closer look at the infrastructure that keeps Africa's growing digital economy connected.

Source: The African Peering and Interconnection Forum (AfPIF) 2026