Empowering Africa’s Internet Future: The AfPIF Fellowship
In today’s interconnected world, understanding the intricacies of internet infrastructure is essential. The African Peering and Interconnection Forum (AfPIF) Fellowship, now hosted by the Internet Society, is a transformative four-month program designed to equip 15 individuals with the skills and knowledge necessary to navigate the complexities of peering and traffic exchange.
Driving Internet Growth Across Africa
The AfPIF Fellowship aims to drive internet growth across Africa by providing participants with a dynamic learning opportunity. By focusing on collaboration and knowledge sharing within the African Internet ecosystem, the fellowship enables participants to deepen their expertise and drive meaningful impact. Through addressing challenges in interconnection, peering, and traffic exchange, fellows maximize opportunities for internet growth at the African Peering and Interconnection Forum.
What the Fellowship Offers
The AfPIF Fellowship offers a range of benefits designed to enhance participants’ skills and knowledge:
Capacity Building and Knowledge Sharing:
- Promotes the establishment of a peering coordinator’s role among African Internet Service Providers (ISPs).
- Facilitates peer-to-peer knowledge exchange and best practice sharing.
- Provides valuable insights into optimizing Internet exchange point (IXP) operation and administration.
- Fosters sustainable growth and maximizes business opportunities.
- Equips participants with the technical skills to support interconnection and network monitoring.
Networking and Collaboration:
- Provides the opportunity to network with peers and industry experts.
- Fosters meaningful connections and partnerships.
- Catalyzes collaborative initiatives and drives innovation within the broader Internet community.
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB):
- Prioritizes DEIB principles to promote an open, globally connected, secure, and trustworthy Internet.
- Welcomes a diversity of perspectives.
- Creates an environment of belonging.
- Champions equitable access to opportunities.
Who Is Eligible to Apply?
Applicants should be individuals actively engaged in Internet policy, business, and/or technical development related to peering and transit in Africa. Eligible candidates should:
- Reside in Africa.
- Actively participate in or work towards the development of IXPs.
- Be involved in Internet peering policy, business, and technical matters in their respective country/region.
- Have a basic understanding of how the Internet works and practical experience in networking using dynamic routing protocols.
- Have a firm understanding of Unix/Linux and basic DNS, as well as caching/resolving DNS servers, networking, and command-line Unix.
- Have reliable access to a broadband Internet connection and relevant devices.
- Commit to participating fully in this 4-month experience.
- Be proficient in English.
AfPIF Packages
The AfPIF fellowship culminates in the African Peering and Interconnection Forum 2024. The forum targets Chief Technology Officers (CTOs), peering coordinators, business development managers, Internet Service Providers (ISPs) and operators, telecommunications policymakers and regulators, content providers, Internet exchange point (IXP) operators, infrastructure providers, data center managers, National Research and Education Networks (NRENs), as well as carriers and transit providers.
Fellows may be awarded a partial or full package* to attend the African Peering and Interconnection Forum 2024:
- The Partial Package includes one of the following:
- A round-trip air ticket to Kinshasa, DRC.
- Hotel accommodation for the duration of the event.
- The Full Package includes both of the following:
- A round-trip air ticket to Kinshasa, DRC.
- Hotel accommodation for the duration of the event.
All selected fellows are eligible to receive a stipend to cover ground transportation and miscellaneous expenses during the event.
*Note: Returning fellows only qualify for a partial package.
Apply Now
Key Dates:
- 17 April 2024: Application submissions open
- 8 May 2024: Application submissions close
- May 2024: Review
- Early June 2024: Selection notification and acceptance
- June 2024: Program kickoff
- 20-22 August 2024: African Peering and Interconnection Forum 2024
- September 2024: Program completion
Don’t miss out on this opportunity to be a part of Africa’s internet future. Apply now for the AfPIF Fellowship and take your expertise to the next level!
