Challenge: Internet Exchange Development in West Africa
In West Africa’s rapidly evolving telecommunications landscape, Angola Cables enhanced international connectivity by landing the SACS cable system, directly linking Angola to Brazil. This strategic investment aimed to capitalize on emerging opportunities and position Angola as a regional internet hub, strengthening the region’s digital infrastructure.
Despite this, the local internet market remained fragmented, lacking a commercial center to support sustainable Internet Exchange Point (IXP) operations. To drive SACS cable adoption and enable efficient intra-regional traffic exchange, Angola Cables needed a solution to unify stakeholders and establish Angola as a central clearing point for West African internet traffic. The absence of a robust telecom infrastructure development strategy posed challenges for long-term growth and connectivity.
West Africa’s fragmented internet market lacked the infrastructure and coordination needed to sustain a regional Internet Exchange Point, limiting growth, efficiency, and long-term digital transformation.
Approach: Connectivity Consulting and Digital Infrastructure Strategy
APTelecom partnered with Angola Cables to design a strategy addressing West Africa’s fragmented internet landscape. They focused on positioning the new IXP to attract local ISPs, regional operators, and global content providers. Recognizing hyperscalers and CDNs as catalysts for ecosystem growth, APTelecom prioritized engaging major global content providers to ensure rapid network effect and establish Angola as a regional hub for internet traffic exchange. This approach was supported by APTelecom’s experience in digital infrastructure consulting and connectivity consulting, ensuring the strategy aligned with best practices in emerging markets telecom.
Execution: Commercial Advisory and Targeted Outreach
APTelecom partnered closely with Angola Cables to deliver a targeted, multi-phase implementation, drawing on their expertise in fiber network consulting and commercial advisory services. The team initiated comprehensive outreach to local ISPs, regional operators, and global content providers. Commercial advisory services were provided to develop compelling value propositions, particularly for hyperscalers and CDNs.
Through persistent engagement and negotiation, APTelecom secured key anchor participants, including Akamai, Google, and Microsoft, by 2016. This approach established critical mass for the IXP, ensuring rapid adoption and supporting the region’s digital transformation consulting goals.
Outcome: Connectivity Growth Across West Africa
Launched in 2016, the West Africa IXP quickly became a regional interconnection hub, with key participation from Akamai, Google, and Microsoft. This strategic move improved traffic localization, quality, and performance across Africa. The project enhanced intra-regional traffic exchange, reducing latency and boosting service reliability for local ISPs and operators, while supporting broader telecom capacity building in the region.
The West Africa IXP, powered by APTelecom’s digital infrastructure consulting, unified regional networks, reduced latency, and established Angola as a leading hub for African connectivity.