In a move that is expected to reduce costs, bring efficiency in the routing of intra-country internet traffic and faciliate faster exchange of intra-country internet traffic, the African Union Commission (AUC), through the Infrastructure and Energy Department has today partnered with the Ministry of Information Communication Technology of Namibia to launch the Internet Exchange Point in Namibia.
Today’s launch of the African Internet Exchange System (AXIS) project in Namibia, makes it the 22 member state to have the facility. The AU has also donated equipment and services with the value of USD20,000 to the Internet Exchange Point in Namibia.
According to Hon. Stanley Simataa, Deputy Minister of ICT,“With this development, the ICT Sector in Namibia has every reason to celebrate for a new era of localized, cost effective and secure internet traffic, has dawned. That notwithstanding, we are called upon to safeguard this infrastructure for the betterment of the livelihood of the users. I however hasten to state that today’s historic event would not have been possible without the invaluable support provided by the African Union Commission.”
The AXIS will help increase the uptake of Internet in Africa which has been at the forefront of economic development by creating employment, providing opportunities for innovation and entrepreneurship, as well as acting as an enabler in the digital delivery of government services, education, and healthcare among others.
“All of us will agree that living in a modern society without ICT is difficult if not impossible. Think about how many times and how often we are using the internet, mobile phones and computers. ICT has been integrated in every aspect of our business activities and daily lives.
Looking to the future, 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.”
Hon. Stanley Simataa, Deputy Minister of ICT of Namibia and H.E. Dr. Elham Ibrahim, African Union Commissioner for Infrastructure and Energy officiated the launch which was attended by Senior Government Officials, Leaders of the Industry and the Internet Society.