During the ICANN 80 conference in Kigali, one of the standout sessions I attended was “Enhancing Internet Infrastructure in Africa.” Moderated by Hadia Elminiawi, the session featured insights from renowned experts such as Dr. Nii Quaynor, Dr. Catherine Adeya, Alan Barrett and Audace Niyonkuru. This session provided a comprehensive look at the current state and future prospects of internet infrastructure across the continent.
Current State of Internet Infrastructure in Africa:
Africa’s internet infrastructure has made significant strides over the past decade, but it still faces numerous challenges that hinder its full potential. The continent has seen an increase in the number of internet users, driven by the expansion of mobile broadband and the reduction in data costs. Despite these advances, there are key areas that require attention:
- Limited Connectivity: Many regions in Africa still lack reliable internet access. Rural and remote areas are particularly affected, with a significant urban-rural digital divide. While urban centers may have access to high-speed internet, rural areas often struggle with slow and unreliable connections.
- Infrastructure Gaps: The physical infrastructure, including fiber optic cables and data centers, is underdeveloped in many parts of the continent. This limits the capacity and speed of internet services. There is a need for substantial investment in both undersea and terrestrial fiber optic networks to improve connectivity.
- High Costs: The cost of internet access remains high for many African users compared to global standards. This is partly due to the lack of competition among service providers and the high cost of importing technology and equipment.
- Cybersecurity Concerns: With the increasing reliance on internet services, cybersecurity has become a critical issue. Many African countries lack robust cybersecurity frameworks, making them vulnerable to cyber attacks. There is a need for comprehensive policies and capacity building to enhance cybersecurity across the continent.
- Local Content and Services: The development of local content and services is essential for driving internet adoption and usage. Currently, much of the content accessed by African users is hosted outside the continent, leading to higher latency and costs. Encouraging the creation of local content and hosting services within Africa can significantly improve the user experience and stimulate the digital economy.
Key Challenges and Insights from ICANN 80:
Dr. Nii Quaynor, an internet pioneer and educator, highlighted the need for sustainable and long-term approaches to improving Africa’s DNS infrastructure. He pointed out that many of Africa’s DNS operations are now automated and managed by local entities, yet there remain significant challenges. These include the need for more robust cybersecurity measures and the importance of encouraging local stakeholders to invest in and adopt DNS technologies. Dr. Nii emphasized the necessity of having local content and domain names to drive infrastructure development, suggesting that without local engagement, the growth of DNS infrastructure will be limited.
Dr. Catherine Adeya emphasized the importance of overcoming language barriers and creating content that resonates with African users. She pointed out that initiatives like the Coalition for Digital Africa and the Africa DNS Study are crucial steps towards addressing these challenges. Dr. Adeya highlighted that digital literacy and local content are key to fostering digital inclusion across the continent.
Alan Barrett, an ICANN Board member, discussed the critical need for resilience in DNS infrastructure to mitigate cybersecurity threats. He advocated for better training and documentation to reduce human errors and the deployment of more nameservers in diverse locations to enhance network robustness. Barrett underscored that investing in Anycast technology and placing nameservers at exchange points could significantly improve the stability and security of DNS services in Africa.
Audace Niyonkuru, CEO of Digital Umuganda, brought attention to the impact of cybersecurity threats on Africa’s digital transformation, particularly in the ecommerce sector. He noted that issues like spoofing can undermine user trust, making it difficult for digital markets to thrive. Niyonkuru called for increased capacity building and the creation of collaborative platforms where policymakers, service providers, and other stakeholders can address these challenges together.
Looking Forward:
The discussions at ICANN 80 underscored that while progress has been made, there is still much work to be done to enhance internet infrastructure in Africa. The need for long-term planning, increased investment in local DNS infrastructure, robust cybersecurity measures, and the promotion of local content were recurring themes. As Africa continues to bridge the digital divide, sessions like these provide valuable insights and foster the collaboration necessary to drive sustainable development in the region’s internet landscape.
For more detailed information on the sessions and other events at ICANN 80, you can visit the official ICANN 80 schedule.