Joy Agwunobi
The London Internet Exchange (LINX) has announced plans to extend its interconnection reach in Africa with the launch of LINX Accra, a new Internet Exchange Point (IXP) in Ghana.
Set to go live in the first quarter of 2025, LINX Accra aims to provide a neutral, multi-site platform to improve network performance, retain local data within the region, and reduce latency for users.
LINX Accra’s design aligns with LINX’s established model, offering a resilient and interconnected fabric that is anticipated to meet growing regional demands and fortify Ghana’s connectivity infrastructure. This expansion reflects Ghana’s status as one of the most connected nations in Africa, underpinned by six subsea cable systems and rapid advancements in its digital landscape.
In recent years, Ghana’s investments in cable infrastructure and data centers have boosted its digital ecosystem, transforming the country into a crucial interconnection hub. The new IXP is expected to accelerate this growth, enhancing data accessibility for local businesses and attracting international digital services, which in turn is anticipated to drive economic development across West Africa.
The firm noted that LINX Accra will be hosted across the Onix and PAIX data centers in the first phase, enabling networks at these sites to access LINX’s peering services through a single cross-connect, facilitating redundancy and streamlined interconnectivity. This multi-site approach is designed to enhance Ghana’s network resilience and provide a reliable infrastructure that can support both local ISPs and international data traffic.
LINX’s commitment to collaboration will play a pivotal role in the project’s success, as the organisation intends to work closely with local partners to meet the growing demand for connectivity solutions. This partnership-based approach is expected to strengthen the region’s digital capabilities, laying the groundwork for future innovation in Ghana and beyond.
Nurani Nimpuno, head of global engagement at LINX, stated “With LINX Accra, Ghana’s improved digital infrastructure positions it as a vital gateway for connectivity in West Africa, we’re bringing robust interconnection services across multiple data centres, ensuring Accra’s digital infrastructure can scale with increasing demand.”
According to Nimpuno, the presence of key Internet submarine cables positions LINX Accra as a potential central hub for digital traffic in West Africa, strengthening not only local connectivity but also international reach. The new infrastructure is seen as an essential component for fostering innovation, attracting investment, and supporting Ghana’s broader digital transformation efforts.
