By 
By Osasome, C.O
Akamai Connects to IXPN in Major Boost for Nigeria’s Internet Ecosystem
Akamai Technologies, one of the world’s most trusted content delivery and cloud computing companies, has connected to the Internet Exchange Point of Nigeria (IXPN). A landmark development for Nigeria’s internet-infrastructure, millions of internet users across Nigeria are set to benefit from faster content delivery
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With Akamai now peering locally on the IXPN fabric, there will be significant lower latency, and an overall improved online experience. Internet traffic that previously travelled thousands of kilometres to Europe or the USA and back will now be exchanged locally. All within Nigeria.
Boosting Local Traffic Retention and Performance
Industry reports indicate that Akamai’s connection to IXPN has contributed to local traffic domestication rising to over 30 percent. It is reinforcing Nigeria’s push to keep more internet traffic within its borders.
As a global leader in Content Delivery Network (CDN) and cloud services, Akamai’s local presence strengthens Nigeria’s digital backbone. It also accelerates the transition toward a faster, more affordable, and more resilient internet ecosystem.
Key Benefits of Akamai Peering Locally at IXPN
The integration of Akamai into IXPN delivers multiple strategic benefits for operators, businesses, and end users.
- Drastically Lower Latency: Akamai’s edge servers in Nigeria allow content such as streaming, gaming, and web services to reach local ISPs directly. This removes the need for lengthy international routing.
- Reduced Costs for Operators: Local peering cuts dependence on expensive international bandwidth, lowering operational costs for network operators.
- Improved User Experience: Nigerian users will enjoy faster website load times, smoother video streaming, and better performance for online applications and gaming.
- Enhanced Network Resilience: Keeping traffic local improves national network stability and continuity, especially during international submarine cable disruptions.
- Stronger Cybersecurity: Akamai’s advanced cloud security capabilities enhance protection against Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks. It enables supporting fintech, e-commerce, and enterprise platforms.
- Support for Local Content Hosting: Improved infrastructure incentivises local hosting and aligns with Nigeria’s objective of growing domestic content and services, particularly on .ng platforms.
Strengthening Nigeria’s Digital Economy
Akamai’s entry into IXPN, alongside other global content providers such as Google and Facebook, further positions IXPN as critical national digital infrastructure.
This growing ecosystem supports Nigeria’s expanding technology sector, and improves service delivery. Equally important, it enhances the country’s attractiveness for global digital business and investment.
A Game-Changer for Nigeria and West Africa
Commenting on the development, IXPN described Akamai’s local peering as a transformative milestone for the region’s internet community.
“For our members and the broader internet community, this is a game-changer. Having a global powerhouse of Akamai’s calibre peering locally through IXPN is a powerful testament to the growing relevance and maturity of Nigeria’s internet infrastructure. A clear signal to the world that Nigeria is open, connected, and ready for global digital business. We look forward to the tremendous value this connection will bring to Nigeria and West Africa’s digital ecosystem,” said IXPN.
According to the exchange, Akamai’s presence signals the growing maturity and global relevance of Nigeria’s internet infrastructure and demonstrates the country’s readiness to support international digital services and innovation across West Africa.
