The London Internet Exchange (LINX) are pleased to share that Meta is the latest global network to connect into LINX Nairobi, their interconnection hub for East Africa.
LINX Nairobi is a multi-site, interconnected Internet Exchange Point (IXP), a place where networks can meet and exchange traffic to keep local content and data, local.
The arrival of Meta at LINX Nairobi this year highlights the increase in local traffic and usage of their social applications; WhatsApp, Facebook and Instagram. Meta will now be able to exchange their traffic in Nairobi with the local Internet Service Providers (ISPs) and other networks also peering at the IXP, resulting in content being kept local and an improved end-user experience.
According to Statista, the number of social media users in Kenya stood at 13.05 million as of January 2024, marking the fourth highest volume in the period observed. Compared to 2014, the country had roughly three times more social media users in 2024.
Figures published in Meta’s own tools indicate that Facebook’s potential ad reach in Kenya increased by 3.8 million (+41.1 percent) between January 2023 and January 2024. Instagram reach is also on the rise as advertising tools indicate 3.05 million users in Kenya in early 2024
Meta are champions of peering and are connected into multiple LINX interconnection points across the UK and US.
Jennifer Holmes, CCO for LINX says this is a crucial turning point for the IXP;
“When you launch new hubs like LINX Nairobi, it’s a process that starts well before the platform goes live. It takes months of working with the local ISPs on their needs and wants while meeting with the large global content delivery networks like Meta about their long-term deployment strategy. A successful IXP needs a healthy mix of content and access networks to thrive, and here at LINX we are very excited that LINX member network, Meta, are present and peering at LINX Nairobi – for the good of the local internet community.”
LINX Nairobi went live in November 2023 and is the first footprint in Africa for the global Internet Exchange Point. The success of LINX Nairobi thus far marks a significant milestone in the further growth predicted for connectivity in the African region.
LINX Nairobi is currently accessible for networks colocated at IXAfrica, iColo and Africa Data Centres in the Kenyan capital. Networks connected into the Internet Exchange Point (IXP) from any of these locations have the ability to peer with each other, no need to be in the same data centre and no need for additional cross connects.
