In a move poised to revolutionize internet connectivity across East Africa, the Kenya Internet Exchange Point (KIXP) has established a new Point of Presence (PoP) at the NBOX1 facility of iXAfrica Data Centers.
This facility, the only hyper-scale data center in East and Central Africa, further solidifies its role as a cornerstone of the region’s burgeoning digital ecosystem.
With East Africa’s population approaching 500 million and internet penetration exceeding 35%, the demand for fast, reliable, and affordable internet has reached unprecedented levels. The new partnership between KIXP and iXAfrica Data Centers aims to meet this demand while addressing critical challenges in network efficiency, regional growth, and internet costs.
The newly launched PoP is set to enhance network efficiency by reducing latency through direct interconnections between networks. This development ensures faster and smoother online experiences for users and businesses alike. Furthermore, by localizing regional traffic, the PoP fosters communication efficiency and reduces reliance on costly international routes, a move expected to lower internet costs for both service providers and end-users.
As East Africa’s digital economy is projected to surpass $10 billion in market value by 2025, this strategic initiative marks a significant milestone. The enhanced infrastructure also strengthens Kenya’s position as a leader in digital innovation. The KIXP PoP at iXAfrica’s advanced facility will support over 400 licensed operators, bridging the digital divide and attracting global content providers to the region.
Fiona Asonga, CEO of TESPOK, emphasized the importance of the partnership, stating, “The collaboration with iXAfrica Data Centres is a significant milestone in our mission to enhance connectivity within Kenya and the region. Together, we are building a resilient and scalable internet infrastructure that empowers regional growth while ensuring accessible and efficient internet services for all.”
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Snehar Shah, CEO of iXAfrica, echoed these sentiments, adding, “iXAfrica Data Centres is committed to shaping East Africa’s digital landscape by providing the advanced infrastructure required for transformational change. This partnership with KIXP strengthens our position as the leading hyperscale data centre in East and Central Africa.”
The new PoP has implications far beyond the region, optimizing traffic routing for improved international internet performance and positioning East Africa as an attractive hub for global investment. This development aligns with the African Union’s Digital Transformation Strategy 2020–2030, which aims to bridge digital divides and foster seamless communication across national borders.
The collaboration between KIXP and iXAfrica underscores Kenya’s leadership in driving technological transformation in Africa, laying the groundwork for a digitally interconnected future.
