The African IXP Association (AFIX) is seeking proposals from interested organisations to host the African Peering & Interconnection Forum (AfPIF) in their market.
AfPIF is a premier three-day event focused on addressing the key challenges and opportunities within Africa’s Internet ecosystem. It brings together a diverse group of stakeholders including executives, business development managers, peering coordinators, engineers, and government representatives to foster collaboration and growth in Internet infrastructure, content delivery, and traffic exchange across the continent.
The conference features keynotes, presentations, panel discussions, tutorials, and lightning talks, complemented by dedicated networking sessions and social events. Hosting AfPIF offers a unique opportunity to showcase the host country’s Internet ecosystem, attract global industry leaders, and contribute to the advancement of Africa’s digital landscape.
AFIX invites proposals from potential hosts that can support the organising process by helping us identify service providers, select a suitable venue, and facilitate an engaging event.
Event Overview
AfPIF spans a total of four days. The first day is a members-only meeting for the African IXP Association followed by three days of open access plenary sessions, panel discussions, lightning talks, an exhibition area, and dedicated networking meetings. Social activities include an opening cocktail, a gala dinner, and other optional events.
Day 1: 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.
- Welcome Reception: Held at the end of the day, usually at the meeting venue. It starts shortly after the association meeting and runs for a limited time, usually 1.5 to 2 hours.
Day 2: Main Event
- Conference Plenary: Presentations, panel discussions, and other content focused on technical capacity building.
- Social Event: Held at the end of the day, typically at an off-site venue. It starts shortly after the end of the conference and runs for a limited time, usually 1.5 to 2 hours.
Day 3: 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 4: 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 Social: This activity is optional and dependent on sponsorship.
Exhibition Area
A space with space for tables is provided for event sponsors on Day 2, 3, and 4. Traditionally, the exhibition space also doubles as the coffee break area. This encourages interaction between participants and the exhibitors.
Hosting Requirements
The following documents provide additional details and information related to hosting the event:
Application Procedure
Interested parties should submit an expression of interest to sec@afpif.org
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 team will evaluate whether or not it should be pursued and potentially request more information.
Timelines & Notifications
| Call Opens | 13 May 2025 |
| Submission Deadline | 1 July 2025 |
| Notification of Selection | 23 July 2025 |
| Deadline for Acceptance | 1 August 2025 |
| Announcement of 2025 Host (at AfPIF) | 21 August 2025 |
| Negotiations & Agreements | October 2025 |
| Site Visit | November 2025 |