11 March 2014

Africa: AU Launches Internet Exchange Point in Namibia


In its efforts to keep intra-country traffic within the country the Africa union has launched the internet exchange point (IXP) in Namibia as part of the African internet exchange system (AXIS)project.
The IXP that was launched by the AU through the infrastructure and energy department and Namibian government will contribute to bringing efficiency in the routing of intra-country internet traffic and hence faster exchange of intra-country internet traffic.

The African Union Commission (AUC), through the Infrastructure and Energy Department, in collaboration with the Ministry of Information Communication Technology of Namibia today launched the Internet Exchange Point in Namibia.
The AU through Commissioner for Infrastructure and Energy Dr. Elham Ibrahim says it has donated equipment and services worth $20,000 for Namibia's IXP which will help improve productivity and innovation.
Looking to the future, ICT for development is not about computers, mobile phones, and the internet, but about using them to empower communities for communication, learning, and accessing services. This will lead to improved well-being, increased work productivity, support for innovation, and impetus for inclusive growth." She said
Dr. Elham also noted the important role ICT is playing the continent especially in development, creating employment, providing opportunities for innovation and entrepreneurship, as well as acting as an enabler in the digital delivery of government services, education, and healthcare.
Namibia's deputy minister for ICT Stanley Simataa lauded the AU for its support to his country saying it will bring better livelihood to the country.
"With this development, the ICT Sector in Namibia has every reason to celebrate for a new era of localized, cost effective and secure internet traffic, has dawned. That notwithstanding, we are called upon to safeguard this infrastructure for the betterment of the livelihood of the users. I however hasten to state that today's historic event would not have been possible without the invaluable support provided by the African Union Commission." He said.
The African Union Commission launched African Internet Exchange System (AXIS) Project following the declaration of the Heads of State and Government of the African Union, meeting in the Fourteenth Ordinary Session of the Assembly in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia on 31 January 2010 which undertook to strengthen national programmes and regional cooperation for the deployment of Regional Internet Exchange Points.
Kenya's second IXP launched in Mombasa.

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