Press Release Nº 344/2014

AU Launches Internet Exchange Point in Gabon: “Keeping intra-country internet traffic within the country”

Libreville, Gabon – 03rd December 2014: The African Union Commission (AUC), through the Infrastructure and Energy Department, in collaboration with the Ministry of Digital Economy and Post launched the first Internet Exchange Point in Gabon on 01st December 2014.

The Internet Exchange Point in Gabon will contribute to the realization of a faster, more secure and affordable internet in Gabon.

Through the African Internet Exchange System (AXIS) project, the African Union Commission has extended capacity building support to facilitate the establishment of internet exchange points in 28 Member States including Gabon. The AU has also donated equipment and services with the value of USD100, 000 to Internet Exchange Points that have been established with the support of the AXIS project. Following the establishment of internet exchange points in Burundi, Gambia, Namibia and Swaziland, the internet exchange point in Gabon is the fifth to be successfully set up and launched with the support of the African Union Commission.

The objective of setting up a first exchange point was clearly stated in the strategic plan of emergent Gabon. The implementation of this essential infrastructure for the smooth functioning of the local internet traffic and the development of local content is a priority for all of us as part of the implementation of Digital Gabon as defined by His Excellency the Head of State, President Ali Bongo Ondimba in the Emergent Gabon Strategic Plan, said Mrs Liliane Massala, Secretary General, Ministry of Digital Economy and Post while speaking on behalf of Hon. Minister Pastor NGOUA N’NEME.

The African Internet Exchange System project was initiated by the African Union Commission to promote the keeping of intra-Africa’s internet traffic within the continent by supporting the establishment of National Internet Exchange Points and Regional Internet Exchange Points in Africa.
“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”. Said H.E. Dr. Elham Ibrahim, Commissioner for Infrastructure and Energy.

“The African Union Commission reiterates its continued support to harness the potential of information communication technologies, and to find effective and innovative ways to put this potential at the service of African citizens.” Added the AU Commissioner for Infrastructure and Energy.
The launch was officiated by Mrs. Lilliane Massala, Secretary General of the Ministry of Digital Economy and Post and H.E. Dr. Elham Ibrahim, African Union Commissioner for Infrastructure and Energy and attended by Senior Government Officials and Leaders of the Industry.

For more information on the African Internet Exchange System Project of the African Union, visit www.au.int/axis