Internet Society Opens 2024 Sustainable Peering Infrastructure Funding Program for Internet Exchange Points

The Coalition for Digital Africa is pleased to announce the opening of applications for the Internet Society's (ISOC) Sustainable Peering Infrastructure Funding Program, which provides support to eligible Internet Exchange Points (IXPs) in Africa.

The global program encompasses various regions, and within this framework, the Africa region is actively engaged in the Coalition for Digital Africa’s outreach efforts. These endeavors aim to bolster peering in Africa and actively contribute to the development and growth of IXPs. As an initiative under the Coalition, the IXPs project is a collaboration between ISOC with the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) to promote digital advancement in Africa. By supporting IXPs, the Coalition contributes to making the Internet more affordable, faster, and resilient for users across the African continent. 

Funding ranging from USD $5,000 to $50,000 is accessible for IXPs across all regions. These funds are designated to support activities such as equipment purchases, training, capacity building, and community development. Applications will be considered during two periods: from 16 January to 22 March 2024, and then again from 1 July to 6 September 2024.

Funding will specifically support:

• Existing IXPs that need additional funding to grow or become sustainable
• Organizations that hope to build a new IXP
• Entities that work with local communities to improve peering and infrastructure
• Entities that provide a positive contribution to the entire IXP ecosystem

 

Under the Coalition, the collaborative effort between the ISOC and ICANN was initiated to create new IXPs and enhance existing ones in Africa. To date, this initiative has awarded grants to three IXPs in Benin, Malawi and Rwanda, allowing them to enhance their technical infrastructure and local capabilities. At least two more African IXPs will be selected, and additional IXPs may be supported depending on budget availability.

The ISOC has a rich history in building Internet infrastructure like IXPs, working with local and regional communities toward a thriving Internet ecosystem that keeps Internet traffic local, reduces costs, sparks development, and improves the quality of Internet services.

ISOC is currently receiving applications to support additional IXPs. Details about eligibility, selection criteria, and more are available here.

All applications for funding must be submitted online in English through the Internet Society Foundation’s grants management system. The first round of applications closes on 22 March 2024, with selected grantees announced in late June.

 

For further inquiries about this funding program or the application process, email foundation@isocfoundation.org