Connecting the Next Generation: African IXPs as Catalysts for Digital Native Communities and Content Delivery Ecosystems

This explores the pivotal role of African Internet Exchange Points (IXPs) in realising the 80/20 Initiative accessing 80% of Internet traffic locally. Despite significant growth in fibre infrastructure, uneven distribution and intra-African traffic inefficiencies persist. IXPs serve as vital catalysts by delivering reduced latency, cost savings, and improved network resilience. Their capacity to foster thriving digital native communities and content delivery ecosystems relies on critical enablers, including market reform, long-distance connectivity, pro-content regulations, and liberal membership policies to substantially increase localised traffic exchange.