The African Peering & Interconnection Forum (AfPIF) is a 3-day event that addresses the key challenges and opportunities within Africa’s Internet ecosystem. It provides participants regional insights and global networking opportunities related to Internet infrastructure, content, services, and traffic exchange. The forum targets executives, business development managers, peering coordinators, engineers, and government stakeholders.
The conference format includes keynotes, presentations, panel sessions, tutorials, and lightning talks. There are dedicated networking sessions and multiple social events.
Event Format and Structure
The AfPIF event consists of the following activities:
Day 0: Pre-Event
- The African IXP Association Meeting: A full-day members meeting prior to the start of the main AfPIF event. This event is by invitation only.
- Sponsors Dinner: This activity is for the sponsors and will be held outside of the meeting venue in the evening. This event is by invitation only. (Optional)
Day 1: Main Event
- Conference Plenary: Presentations, panel discussions, and other content focused on technical capacity building.
- Opening Cocktail: This activity is held at the end of the day, usually at the meeting venue or hotel. It starts shortly after the conference ends and lasts for a limited time, usually 1.5 to 2 hours.
Day 2: Main Event
- Conference Plenary: Formal opening session, keynote presentations, panel discussions, presentations, and lightning talks.
- Bilateral Meetings: A dedicated space is provided for participants to hold meetings on the sidelines of the conference. This is a popular activity at AfPIF and other Internet interconnection forums.
- Gala Dinner: This activity is typically held outside of the meeting venue at a location that provides authentic local cuisine and a cultural experience. It is AfPIF tradition for the local host and local stakeholders to sponsor and host the gala dinner
Day 3: Main Event
- Conference Plenary: Presentations, panel discussions, and lightning talks.
- Bilateral Meetings: A dedicated space is provided for participants to hold meetings on the sidelines of the conference. This is a popular networking activity at AfPIF and other Internet interconnection forums.
- Farewell Cocktail: This activity is optional and dependent on sponsorship.
Exhibition Area
A dedicated space with stalls or booths is provided for event sponsors on day 1, 2, and 3. Traditionally, the exhibition space also doubles as the coffee break area, encouraging interaction between participants and the exhibitors.
Additional Information
The following documents provide more specific details and additional information related to hosting the event:
Application Procedure
Interested parties should submit an expression of interest to sec@afpif.org.
The deadline for submissions is 15 June 2024.
Successful applications will articulate the host’s ability to meet the following criteria:
- Easy flight access to/from the rest of the world
- Easy visa entry procedures (or facilitation of the same by the host)
- Reasonably priced meeting venues and hotels that meet AfPIF requirements (see details).
- Interest and support from the local Internet and technology community for hosting the event.
- The existence or prospect of one or more Internet exchange points (IXPs) is an advantage.
- Ability and willingness to solicit supplementary sponsorship and support from local organizations and stakeholders to help meet the event’s various needs (e.g. providing Internet connectivity, venue and catering for the gala dinner, etc).
Upon receipt of an expression of interest, the AfPIF Program Committee (PC) will evaluate whether or not it should be pursued and potentially request more information.
Timelines and Notifications
| Call Opens | 15 April 2024 |
| Submission Deadline | 15 June 2024 |
| Notification of Selection | 10 July 2024 |
| Deadline for Acceptance | 17 July 2024 |
| Announcement of 2025 Host (at AfPIF) | 22 August 2024 |
| Negotiations & Agreements | 30 September 2024 |
| Site Visit (TBC) | 09 October 2024 |