Entries open for the African Peering & Interconnection Forum (AfPIF) Fellowship 2024
The African Peering & Interconnection Forum (AfPIF) Fellowship offers a unique learning opportunity aimed at fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing within the African Internet ecosystem. This program enables participants to deepen their expertise and make a meaningful impact by addressing challenges in interconnection, peering, and traffic exchange. Moreover, it aims to maximize opportunities for Internet growth at the African Peering and Interconnection Forum.
Benefits of the African Peering & Interconnection Forum (AfPIF) Fellowship
- Enhancing Capacity and Sharing Knowledge
The fellowship program focuses on promoting the establishment of a peering coordinator’s role among African Internet Service Providers (ISPs). It facilitates peer-to-peer knowledge exchange and the sharing of best practices. Fellows gain valuable insights into optimizing Internet exchange point (IXP) operation and administration, fostering sustainable growth, and maximizing business opportunities. Additionally, they acquire the technical skills necessary to support interconnection and network monitoring. - Building Networks and Encouraging Collaboration
The AfPIF Fellowship provides a platform for fellows to network with peers and industry experts. By fostering meaningful connections and partnerships, participants can catalyze collaborative initiatives, drive innovation, and amplify the impact of their work within the broader Internet community. - Promoting Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB)
The AfPIF Fellowship places a high priority on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) principles. It is committed to promoting an open, globally connected, secure, and trustworthy Internet. By welcoming diverse perspectives, creating an inclusive environment, and championing equitable access to opportunities, the fellowship strives to build a more resilient and inclusive digital future for all.
Eligibility for the African Peering & Interconnection Forum (AfPIF) Fellowship
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.
- 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.
The African Peering and Interconnection Forum 2024 (AfPIF) Package
- The African Peering and Interconnection Forum 2024 (AfPIF) offers different packages for fellows attending the event. These packages are designed for Chief Technology Officers (CTOs), peering coordinators, business development managers, Internet Service Providers (ISPs) and operators, telecommunications policymakers and regulators, content providers, Internet exchange point (IXP) operators, infrastructure providers, data center managers, National Research and Education Networks (NRENs), as well as carriers and transit providers.
- Fellows have the opportunity to receive either a partial or full package to attend AfPIF 2024. The Partial Package includes either a round-trip air ticket to Kinshasa, DRC or hotel accommodation for the duration of the event. On the other hand, the Full Package includes both a round-trip air ticket to Kinshasa, DRC and hotel accommodation for the duration of the event.
- Additionally, all selected fellows are eligible to receive a stipend that covers ground transportation and miscellaneous expenses during the event. It is important to note that returning fellows only qualify for a partial package.
Key Dates for the African Peering & Interconnection Forum (AfPIF) Fellowship
- 17 April 2024 – Application submissions open
- 8 May 2024 – Application submissions close
- May 2024 – Review
- Early June 2024 = Selection notification and acceptance
- June 2024 – Program kickoff
- 20-22 August 2024 – African Peering and Interconnection Forum 2024
- September 2024 – Program completion
Application for the African Peering & Interconnection Forum (AfPIF) Fellowship
- To apply visit the official website
- deadline is May 8, 2024
