Is LINX Mombasa Africa’s next digital hub?

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LINX is the first IXP to establish a presence in both Nairobi and Mombasa. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

The London Internet Exchange (LINX) has officially launched LINX Mombasa, a new interconnection hub aimed at strengthening digital connectivity across Africa.

Situated within iColo’s MBA1 and MBA2 data centres, LINX Mombasa operates as a multi-site, interconnected Internet Exchange Point (IXP). This resilient, future-ready platform allows networks to exchange traffic efficiently, reducing latency and enhancing overall performance. By keeping data closer to end users, this peering model ensures greater reliability and control.

Advancing Africa’s Digital Infrastructure

Mombasa is rapidly emerging as a key interconnection hub and one of Africa’s most globally connected locations. The city benefits from seven submarine cables linking Kenya to Africa’s coastline, the Middle East, Europe, and Asia.

Following the success of LINX Nairobi, this expansion reinforces LINX’s commitment to enhancing African digital ecosystems. LINX Mombasa will serve both content delivery networks and local ISPs, providing an alternative interconnection point with redundant and high-performance network services.

Nurani Nimpuno, LINX’s head of global engagement, stated, “We are thrilled to deepen our collaboration with iColo, following our success with LINX Nairobi. The demand for LINX services in Mombasa was evident, and we are excited to bring the same value to this growing market.”

As the first IXP with a presence in both Nairobi and Mombasa, LINX ensures seamless connectivity by leveraging Nokia switch technology, mirroring the infrastructure of LINX Nairobi.

Ranjith Cherickel, founder & CEO of iColo, added, “We are proud to host LINX Mombasa in our highly connected data centre facilities. This collaboration highlights our commitment to world-class infrastructure, fostering partnerships, innovation, and digital transformation in Africa.”

With LINX Mombasa now live, regional peering traffic is expected to increase significantly, further cementing Mombasa’s role as the Gateway to East Africa.