Kigali, 20 August 2026 — Rwanda Information Society Authority (RISA) Chief Executive Officer Antoine Sebera joined African and global Internet leaders at the 15th African Peering and Interconnection Forum (AfPIF 2026), held in Kigali from 18 to 20 August, to discuss the future of Africa’s digital infrastructure and Internet ecosystem.

Organised by the African IXP Association (Af-IX), with support from the Rwanda Internet Community and Technology Alliance (RICTA), AfPIF 2026 brings together key stakeholders from across the Internet ecosystem to explore opportunities for strengthening connectivity and interconnection across the continent.

During the forum, Mr. Sebera shared Rwanda’s experience in expanding digital connectivity and strengthening the infrastructure underpinning the country’s digital transformation. He highlighted the importance of stronger interconnection, resilient and secure digital infrastructure, regional cooperation and affordable access to digital services.

He emphasised that expanding connectivity must go hand in hand with ensuring that citizens can meaningfully and affordably use digital services. This requires continued collaboration among governments, telecommunications operators, Internet infrastructure providers and other stakeholders across the digital ecosystem.

As Africa enters a new phase of digital transformation driven by artificial intelligence, Mr. Sebera also underscored the need to invest in the infrastructure and capabilities required for the continent to fully harness AI.

He highlighted the importance of building reliable connectivity, digital infrastructure, skills and capabilities that can support Africa’s growing digital economy while enabling countries to develop solutions that respond to their own needs and priorities.

This vision aligns with Rwanda’s broader approach to digital transformation, which places emphasis on infrastructure, skills, innovation and collaboration as foundations for an inclusive and sustainable digital future. Rwanda’s AI strategy similarly recognises infrastructure, skills, governance and collaboration as key pillars for developing a trusted and inclusive AI ecosystem.

Greater interconnection among African networks can support faster and more resilient connectivity, improve the efficiency of Internet traffic and contribute to more affordable digital services. The forum provides an important platform for African stakeholders to share experiences, identify practical solutions and strengthen partnerships around these priorities.