Somalia’s Ministry of Post, Telecom and Technology is facilitating the establishment of the country’s first internet exchange point (IXP) in Mogadishu (MogIX)
The IXP is expected to allow local internet service providers (ISPs) to connect their networks and exchange internet traffic locally, providing high-bandwidth and low-latency access.
Nisha Goburdhan, an IXP expert from Packet Clearing House (PCH), said that a domestic IXP could serve as a catalyst for developing local content and local internet applications, adding that MogIX would provide an incentive for entrepreneurs and innovators to create local Internet-based services that take advantage of the availability of more local bandwidth.
Representatives from telecom operators, ISPs, academia, content providers, government and Somali Network Operators Group expressed their interest in joining MogIX.
The Minister of Post, Telecom and Technology, Abdi Ashur Hassan, who opened the workshop, said that establishing the first IXP is a very positive step forward in building Somalia’s ICT infrastructure and will enhance the digital services being offered by local institutions in business, education, health, government services, etc.
The Ministry and its partner organisations, such as World Bank and PCH, would help to establish the facility, he added.
