African Peering and Interconnection Forum (AfPIF) Fellowship

In today’s world, where challenges are intertwined, navigating the complexities of the Internet requires a deep understanding of the dynamics of peering and traffic exchange. The African Peering and Interconnection Forum (AfPIF) Fellowship, now hosted by the Internet Society, offers a transformative four-month program designed to equip 15 individuals with the skills and knowledge necessary to tackle these challenges head-on.

This fellowship provides opportunities to drive Internet growth across Africa.

About the Fellowship

The AfPIF Fellowship provides a dynamic learning opportunity designed to enhance collaboration and knowledge sharing within the African Internet ecosystem. Through the fellowship, participants deepen their expertise and drive meaningful impact, focusing on addressing challenges in interconnection, peering, and traffic exchange while maximizing opportunities for Internet growth at the African Peering and Interconnection Forum.

1. Capacity Building and Knowledge Sharing
   The fellowship focuses on promoting the establishment of a peering coordinator’s role among African Internet Service Providers (ISPs), facilitating peer-to-peer knowledge exchange and best practice sharing. Fellows gain valuable insights into optimizing Internet exchange point (IXP) operation and administration, fostering sustainable growth, and maximizing business opportunities while learning the technical skills to support interconnection and network monitoring.
2. Networking and Collaboration
   Central to the AfPIF Fellowship experience is the opportunity to network with peers and industry experts. By fostering meaningful connections and partnerships, fellows catalyze collaborative initiatives, drive innovation, and amplify the impact of their work within the broader Internet community.
3. Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB)
   The AfPIF Fellowship prioritizes Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) principles as part of our commitment to promoting an open, globally connected, secure, and trustworthy Internet. By welcoming a diversity of perspectives, creating an environment of belonging, and championing equitable access to opportunities, we strive to build a more resilient and inclusive digital future for all.

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. Interested individuals must complete an online application form.

Candidates who meet the following criteria are welcome to apply.

We are looking for individuals who:

• Reside in Africa.
• Are not currently enrolled in an Internet Society fellowship program.
• Actively participate in or work towards the development of IXPs.
• Are 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 device(s).
• Will commit to participating fully in this 4-month experience.
• Are proficient in English.

AfPIF Packages

The AfPIF fellowship culminates in the African Peering and Interconnection Forum 2024.

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 or
  • Hotel accommodation for the duration of the event.
• The Full Package includes both of the following:
  • A round-trip air ticket to Kinshasa, DRC and,
  • 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.

Key Dates

2024 Fellowship Sponsors