Day 2 of the conference kicked off with an electrifying atmosphere as 149 on-site participants and 23 virtual attendees gathered for the first plenary session, Building Resilience and Collaboration: Addressing Submarine Cables. The panel featured an esteemed lineup of industry leaders: Mark Tinka (MD, Transmission CO), Fernando Fernandez ( CEO of Telcables by Angola Cables), Slawomir Cieslinski (Director, Business Development, WIOCC Group), Gbenga Adegbiji ( CEO, GENISERVE), and Adesiyan Omololu (Head, Network Planning, Transmission and IP Network, MainOne).

Moderated by Gbenga Adegbiji, the session dove deep into the pressing issues surrounding Africa’s submarine cable infrastructure. When asked about readiness for the next potential outage, Fernando Fernandez painted a stark picture of the challenges facing Africa’s cable networks. He highlighted a troubling lack of collaboration among operators, often driven by a focus on short-term profits rather than long-term stability. This lack of redundancy puts critical regions like West Africa at significant risk, especially in light of recent cable disruptions that had substantial economic repercussions in countries like South Africa.

The discussion quickly shifted to solutions, emphasizing the need for increased government involvement to safeguard vital cable routes. However, the complex interplay between private and public interests complicates this task. To enhance resilience, panelists discussed the potential of establishing “ring protection”—a network of redundant cables—but acknowledged that such initiatives require strong partnerships and improved cybersecurity measures to defend against digital threats.

The key recommendations that emerged from this dynamic discussion included:

• Standardize Crisis Protocols: Create guidelines to prevent unfair price increases during outages.
• Enhance Connectivity: Strengthen connections between cable landing stations and data centers to expedite responses in emergencies.
• Conduct Root Cause Analysis (RCA): After incidents, document lessons learned to prevent future issues.
• Invest in Infrastructure: Build systems that ensure quicker and more reliable network recovery.

Following a lively coffee break, participants returned for the next session, Building Nigeria’s Digital Backbone: Transit Providers and Infracos in Focus, moderated by Dewole Ajao, Global Network Acquisition, and Google. Panelists, including Adeyemi Olaosebikan from Airtel, discussed Nigeria’s strategic position as a gateway for landlocked African nations while also addressing the challenges that hinder this potential.

Key challenges highlighted included:

• Demand and Monetization: While southern Nigeria boasts strong fiber coverage, monetizing infrastructure in northern and cross-border regions is challenging due to low demand and high operational costs.
• Right of Way (RoW) Fees: The high cost of RoW fees continues to stifle expansion efforts, although some northern states are beginning to reduce these fees to attract more ISPs.
• Government Engagement: A greater adoption of digital services by the government—ranging from e-health to e-education—could drive local demand, thereby making further infrastructure investments justifiable.

The panel recommended several strategic actions:

• Stimulate Demand: Encourage government usage of data services to increase the value of existing infrastructure.
• Reduce RoW Fees: Expand fee reductions to facilitate network growth.
• Foster Regional Partnerships: Strengthen collaborations with neighboring countries to build a resilient, interconnected network across West and Central Africa.

After a refreshing lunch break, the energy in the room surged again as participants gathered for an insightful session led by Johnson Agogbua (MD, Kasi Cloud), featuring Lars Johannisson (CEO, Rack Centre), Dr. Krishnan Ranganath (Regional Executive, West Africa -Africa Data Centres), Dr. Ayotunde Coker (CEO, Open Access Data Centres), and Oluwasayo Oshadami (GM, Technical Solutions MainOne). Johnson set the stage, sparking a discussion on public and private clouds in West Africa.

As enterprises shift from traditional setups to the cloud, many are adopting a hybrid model. Dr. Ayotunde Coker described this approach as “moving from cloud to co-location,” a balanced model that uses public cloud services for less sensitive data while keeping critical information on private clouds or on-premises. He emphasized that this hybrid approach “blends security and efficiency in an evolving digital landscape.”

Data residency regulations pose a major challenge to cloud adoption. Many countries in the region are instituting policies to ensure data stays within national borders. As Dr. Coker noted, regulatory bodies often ask, “Where is your data actually going to be held?” These policies, while beneficial for data security, can slow the adoption of global cloud solutions. Dr. Krish pointed out that data localization increases demand for locally hosted services, fostering a more secure environment for businesses even as they navigate compliance costs.

Economic instability across West Africa also affects cloud adoption, as currency volatility complicates investment for enterprises. Dr. Krish observed that these conditions pressure businesses to balance growth with financial stability. Despite these hurdles, the region is seeing continuous investment in data centers and cloud infrastructure.

Lars from Rack Centre shared a compelling vision of faster cloudification across Africa, highlighting the need for collaboration. He stated, “This won’t happen unless all things come in line… that’s the only way we’re going to do it and drive this forward.” By uniting private enterprises, public sectors, and tech infrastructure providers, Nigeria could accelerate its digital transformation journey, making cloud services more accessible.

An essential part of this vision involves expanding broadband access to underserved regions. Lars emphasized the potential of mobile broadband, saying, “Many people are sitting on a 2G subscription,” effectively excluding them from the cloud ecosystem. Extending broadband could empower more individuals and businesses, fueling both economic growth and digital inclusion.

The closing moments of ngPIF 2024 were nothing short of exhilarating! The event culminated in a vibrant ceremony honoring our esteemed sponsors, insightful speakers, and dedicated program committee members. Their invaluable contributions and unwavering support were recognized with heartfelt accolades, creating a warm atmosphere of gratitude and appreciation.

Adding a layer of excitement to the proceedings, a thrilling raffle draw captured the audience’s attention. Attendees eagerly watched as the prize—a cutting-edge Meta Quest 3, generously sponsored by Meta—was up for grabs. The air was thick with anticipation as Portia Rabonda of Flexoptix was announced as the winner, her radiant smile reflecting the excitement that filled the room. The applause was thunderous, celebrating not just her win, but the spirit of community and collaboration that defined the event. 

As we bid farewell to ngPIF 2024, participants left not just with accolades and prizes but also with a wealth of knowledge and inspiration. The event fostered meaningful connections and sparked insightful discussions, laying the groundwork for future collaborations in our ever-evolving industry. We eagerly anticipate reconvening next year, ready to explore new frontiers and tackle the challenges ahead!

Opening Session and Keynote Addresses

The forum began with an introduction by Obinna Adumike, who welcomed the first speaker, Mr. Oluwasayo Oshadami, General Manager of Technical Solutions and Managed Networks at MainOne. Mr. Oshadami underscored the significance of digital infrastructure in driving the global economy, describing it as the “backbone of the digital economy.” He highlighted the contribution of the EMEA region, to which Nigeria belongs, accounting for approximately 12% of the global digital economy, equivalent to $2.5 trillion. With Nigeria’s digital infrastructure penetration currently at 46%, Mr. Oshadami emphasized both the challenges and significant opportunities for growth within the sector.

Cloud Connectivity and Network Automation

Mr. Toni Yannick Kalombo, Managing Director of DevBooks, followed with an insightful presentation on “The Anatomy of a Fully Automated Cloud Exchange.” He detailed strategies for enhancing cloud connectivity through network automation, focusing on critical components, including configuration management, virtual modeling of infrastructure and interconnects, and automated configuration of virtual circuits. Mr. Kalombo introduced the concept of a private Cloud Exchange, distinguishing it from public internet exchanges, and highlighted how automated systems, such as VLAN setups, facilitate streamlined connectivity. He concluded by emphasizing the necessity for tailored automation solutions over generic options, due to the unique needs of each network.

Innovation in Subsea Technology

The session proceeded with a technical presentation by Mr. Mark Tinka, Managing Director of Transmission Company, on “Spatial Division Multiplexing: A New Subsea Cable Paradigm.” Mr. Tinka’s address covered advancements in fiber optics and subsea cables, including damage mitigation strategies and resilience improvements in fiber cable technology.

Official Address 

Mr. Ganiyu Oseni, Senior Adviser on Technology, Broadband, and Innovation, gave an address on behalf of H.E Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu. Governor Sanwo-Olu’s message stressed the critical role of internet connectivity in fostering Nigeria’s economic growth, affirming Lagos State’s commitment to advancing digital inclusion and infrastructure development.

Stakeholder Presentations

Professor Adewale Adedokun, National Coordinator of ngNOG, delivered remarks on bridging Nigeria’s digital divide, noting the disparity in internet access between urban and rural communities. He highlighted ngPIF’s objective of fostering inclusive digital growth across Nigeria. Mr. Muhammed Rudman, Chief Executive Officer of IXPN, reiterated the importance of rural connectivity and stressed the government’s role in supporting underserved areas through mechanisms such as the Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF).

In his remarks, Mr. Ayotunde Coker, CEO of Open Access Data Centre (OADC), commended ngPIF’s role in fostering a cohesive peering community, encompassing infrastructure providers, content creators, and service providers. He underscored the Forum’s role in positioning Nigeria on the global digital landscape, advocating for continued collaboration to strengthen the nation’s interconnection framework.

Conclusion

The first day of ngPIF concluded with participants gaining valuable insights and a collective dedication to advancing Nigeria’s digital infrastructure. NgPIF continues to serve as a critical platform for collaboration, knowledge exchange, and the nation’s digital transformation.

Dr. Ibiso Kingsley-George, representing the NCC, initiated the conversation by shedding light on the progress and challenges surrounding broadband expansion. She highlighted the NCC’s commitment to adaptable regulations, emphasizing the need to strike a balance between innovation and oversight as the digital landscape evolves.

Mr. Olawale Owoeye then directed a question to Mr. Rudman about the traffic growth at the Internet Exchange Point and the interaction between smaller and larger players. Mr. Rudman explained that while mobile network operators (MNOs) generated the majority of internet traffic, smaller service providers played a significant role in contributing to the exchange point’s traffic.

Dr Krishnan Ranganath emphasized the importance of unified and enduring regulatory policies, advocating for a reference document that transcends individual administrations. Mr. Sony called for increased industry-government collaboration and advocacy to address pressing issues collectively.

In conclusion, Dr. Ibiso Kingsley-George assured the industry of the NCC’s commitment to addressing their concerns and encouraged active engagement with regulators to drive meaningful change. The panel discussion on “Navigating Regulatory Challenges for Broadband Expansion and Digital Transformation” highlighted a shared vision for improved advocacy, unified policies, and strengthened collaboration between the government and private sector, promising a brighter digital future for Nigeria.

The event continued with Joshua Joshua introducing Dewole Ajao from Google as the next moderator, who welcomed speakers like Funke Opeke (MD, West Africa, Mainone), Johnson Agogbua (CEO, Kasi Cloud Datacenters), Josephine Sarouk (MD, Bayobab), and Nicki Popoola (Sales Director, WIOCC). Their discussion revolved around the challenges and opportunities in Nigeria’s digital infrastructure and broadband sector, emphasizing the importance of collaboration, standardized information sharing, and cross-agency collaboration to support effective development.

The conversation revolved around the challenges and opportunities in Nigeria’s digital infrastructure and broadband sector. Key points of discussion include:

• Nigeria’s large population and internet traffic make it an attractive market.
• Challenges include bureaucratic red tape, power infrastructure, and economic policy stability.
• The National Broadband Plan emphasizes the need for a shared digital network with broad connectivity.
• Collaboration and partnerships are essential to reduce infrastructure costs.
• The creation of a standardized database is proposed to facilitate coordination.

Panel members stressed the importance of cross-agency collaboration to protect critical infrastructure, and how advocacy efforts and awareness-raising are ongoing to address infrastructure issues.

In essence, the conversation highlights the potential and challenges of the Nigerian digital infrastructure market, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and standardized information sharing for effective development.

Dewole Ajao’s closing remarks emphasized the key points, he said “partnership, collaboration, synergy, stimulating demand and helping the government and ourselves to realize that digital has a great potential and we should put in the best we can to make it happen” He expressed hope for more success stories than challenges in the coming year.

The COO of WTES, Engr. Chidi Ajuzie took the stage next and gave a brief insight into scaling data centers and building a robust digital infrastructure ecosystem. At its heart was the enigmatic “middle man,” a critical juncture in the data’s journey from the bustling coastal regions to the nation’s interior. The statistics were impressive – 21 data centers and a sprawling network of 127,000 base stations – and yet, a lingering issue persisted. How could 220 million eager subscribers access these resources equitably?

The discussion ventured beyond the realm of broadband infrastructure into the sprawling landscape of Nigeria’s broader ICT sector. Here, a delicate tightrope walk between immediate financial gains and enduring socio-economic benefits posed an intricate challenge. In this narrative of digital transformation, the speaker championed an unconventional notion – the “unbundling” of societal problems, envisioning shared digital platforms and an inclusive ecosystem. This vision offered a glimmer of hope in bridging the digital divide, emphasizing open access infrastructure and collaborative models as the keys to unlocking Nigeria’s digital future.

A brief but insightful presentation from Engr. Ikechukwu Nnamani, CEO of Medallion, unveiled the story of Medallion’s transformation. Their journey underscored the importance of adaptability, strategic location, and partnership with industry leaders like Digital Realty to facilitate global-scale operations.

Liquid, a key player in Africa’s digital landscape, emerged as a testament to the power of collaboration. Operating across 18 countries and diverse business units, they emphasized the need to break down barriers between industry stakeholders to overcome infrastructure and connectivity challenges. Liquid’s focus on cyber resilience and adherence to government policies reflected their dedication to enabling a thriving digital economy in Africa.

As the event drew to a close, Dr. Ibiso, representing the NCC, welcomed feedback from the audience and engaged with their questions and suggestions. Attendees highlighted issues such as infrastructure damage, the critical network infrastructure bill, and local production, underlining the industry’s commitment to driving meaningful change.

The grand finale of the two-day event at the illustrious Eko Hotel and Towers had arrived, bringing together 134 physical attendees and connecting with 33 virtual participants. The event’s host, Joshua Joshua, stepped onto the stage to bring this enlightening journey to a close. He began by giving special recognition to the masterminds behind the scenes, IXPN and NgNOG, the brilliant minds orchestrating the Nigeria Peering Interconnection Forum (NgPIF) 2023.

As the room brimmed with anticipation and appreciation, Joshua extended his gratitude to every individual who had contributed to this remarkable event. He went on to express his appreciation to the event’s generous sponsors, whose support had made this enriching experience possible. The esteemed sponsors included OADC, Medallion, Meta Netflix, Flex Optics, Mainone, Rack Center, AMSIX, Angola Cables, Internet Society, Rack Center Africa Data Center, Team CYMRU, and One Data. While the event had drawn to a close, the reverberations of shared knowledge and collaboration would continue to shape the dynamic digital landscape, driving meaningful change and innovation.

As a symbol of their united journey, the event’s host invited all attendees to join him for a group photograph, capturing the spirit of shared vision and collective commitment as they ventured forward.

The event’s final curtain may have fallen, but its enduring legacy would continue to resonate, leaving a profound impact on the ever-evolving world of digital connectivity.

In a dynamic presentation that unfolded into Africa’s digital future, Obinna Adumike, the Project Coordinator of AF-CIX took the stage to dissect the state of the continent’s internet landscape. With a narrative finesse, he painted a vivid picture of Africa’s cyber prospects.

Obinna Adumike’s captivating presentation unveiled a promising digital future for Africa. He highlighted the growth of cloud data centers, extensive deployment of edge services, and the rising popularity of 100-gigabit connections. Africa’s internet traffic patterns are undergoing a transformation, favoring local data exchange. Robust IP capacities were celebrated, with Nigeria’s growth on the horizon.

Obinna explored the dynamics of pricing and capacity, emphasizing the importance of internet exchanges. He also addressed the challenges of deploying submarine cables and praised significant data centers in South and West Africa. The impact of population size on internet penetration, with Nigeria’s 4G growth and Mali’s potential, added depth to the narrative. Finally, the presentation offered a glimpse of future trends, heralding increased competition in internet interconnection and peering and the arrival of new submarine cables. Africa’s digital renaissance is underway.

Joshua Joshua, the Operations Manager of Access and Content Limited, came on stage as the next speaker. He began by sharing that Nigeria’s internet penetration currently stood at 45.57%, leaving the audience intrigued about potential growth on the horizon. He highlighted the abundance of digital resources in Nigeria, boasting 257 Autonomous System Numbers (ASNs) and AFRINIC-registered IP addresses. However, Joshua pointed out a slow adoption of IPv6, possibly influenced by misconceptions.

The narrative then took a fascinating turn, delving into the world of Nigeria’s Internet Exchange Points (IXPs), with a spotlight on Lagos, a thriving epicenter housing over 200 active networks. While it was evident that Lagos held the lion’s share of network activity, concerns emerged regarding the country’s internet traffic capacity and the necessity for networks to collaborate more effectively in sharing data.

Joshua’s presentation also uncovered intriguing statistics about Nigeria’s mobile landscape, featuring over 220 million mobile lines and a growing shift towards fiber-based internet services. While Nigeria could boast an impressive upload speed, Joshua hinted at the need for improvements in download speeds and latency. In a regional face-off against South Africa and Kenya, Nigeria excelled in upload speed but lagged behind in other areas.

The narrative reached its zenith, shedding light on the potential for Nigeria’s digital transformation, especially in the realm of fiber-based solutions and the significant role played by data centers. The story was enriched by the presence of 247 licensed ISPs, each contributing to the nation’s evolving digital landscape.

A thought-provoking Q&A session was orchestrated by Mr. Dewole Ajao of Google, where the intricacies of internet traffic bypassing local exchange points in cities like Abuja in favor of Lagos were discussed. Mr. Muhammed Rudman, the CEO of IXPN, eloquently clarified the rationale behind this phenomenon.

In the end, the session masterfully painted a vibrant and promising picture of Nigeria’s digital landscape, poised for growth and transformation in the digital era.

Oluwasayo Oshadami, GM of Technical Solutions and Managed Networks, Mainone, discussed the need to improve interconnection and reduce internet traffic to Europe in Nigeria. He emphasized the role of data centers, praised the Internet Exchange of Nigeria (IXPN), and highlighted Mainone’s infrastructure, which offers com intertwining the day’s experiences into a cohesive narrative of comprehensive networking solutions in Lagos.

At a conference, attendees took a coffee break before Dr. Ayotunde Coker’s keynote speech. He highlighted Lagos, Nigeria, as the emerging data center hub in Africa due to improved connectivity, lower latency, and growing demand for cloud and AI services. Dr. Coker stressed the need for continent-wide data regulations and hinted at potential hubs in Kenya, Morocco, and Egypt. The story’s punchline: Lagos is set to lead in data center capacity, especially for cloud and AI, alongside South Africa.

The opening ceremony showcased a vibrant cultural edutainment and a brief welcome speech was given by Dr. Adewale Adedokun, the coordinator of NgNOG, and Mr Muhammed Rudman, CEO of Internet Exchange Point of Nigeria (IXPN), and Engr Ubale Ahmed EC, Technical Services, NCC.

In a lively presentation, Wouter Esing of Meta discussed internet growth in West Africa. He urged the swift entry of content providers into the region to break the high-cost, low-demand cycle. His solution? A cooperative approach, with South African content providers expanding into West Africa, ultimately leading to more local content for all. The key takeaway: collaboration is essential for boosting connectivity and driving economic growth in West Africa.

Salam Yamout’s report delves into the world of Netflix Open Connect. With a global reach spanning 190 countries and 230 million subscribers, Netflix’s commitment to local content, especially in African nations, is clear.

The report highlights Netflix’s Open Connect, a content distribution network that ensures efficient streaming at just four megabits per second. Netflix’s global cache deployment and partnerships with Internet Exchange Points help local networks and reduce ISP costs.

The report also introduces Routerless IX as a means to make local content more accessible, with options for ISPs to offset cache-filling costs through donations and grants.

A smart traffic steering algorithm ensures efficient content delivery. Salam Yamout’s report underscores the significance of efficient, cost-effective, and high-quality streaming through local caches and IXP partnerships, showcasing Netflix’s commitment to global content excellence.

In “Interconnecting Realities” by Ben Ryall of Meta, the session explored their extensive network architecture, spanning from core data centers to metro areas, collaborating with ISPs and operators. They emphasized the shift from text to immersive experiences, with varying latency and bandwidth needs. Data-driven decisions and metrics are crucial for network optimization. The presentation also highlighted efforts to expand their presence in Nigeria, create new peering markets, and promote active-active connectivity for enhanced network resilience. The ultimate goal is to maintain traffic within the country during failures and efficiently serve local users. Future plans involve establishing new landing points and data centers in areas like Port Harcourt and Abuja to bolster Nigeria’s digital ecosystem.

As the curtains fell on Day 1, a new scene was set for the pivotal “Peering Personals” session. In this act, companies such as IXPN, Meta, Google, AFCIX and AMSIX took center stage. With a flourish, they introduced themselves and shared their contact details, sparking the flames of collaboration within the ISP community.

Amid this technological symphony, Joshua Joshua took the stage to intertwine the day’s experiences into a cohesive narrative with genuine appreciation for the speakers’ contributions, he painted an enticing preview of what Day 2 had in store. But his words weren’t just about what lay ahead; they were an invitation to the audience. He urged them not just to absorb knowledge but to forge connections and build a sense of community. The event’s true purpose came into focus – it was not only a place of learning but a forum for unity and fortification, a stronghold for the ever-evolving internet landscape.

Day 1 had unfolded like a thrilling chapter in the narrative of Nigeria’s internet journey. The atmosphere buzzed with excitement, whispering of the nation’s potential to dazzle on the African stage. The stage was set, and Day 2 promised to take this remarkable session even further, with new revelations and connections on the horizon.