The Liberia Telecommunications Authority(LTA) joined national and international stakeholders at a one-day Peering Roadshow organized by the Internet Society Global in collaboration with the Internet Society Liberia Chapter. The forum, held at the Mamba Point Hotel, focused on improving cooperation among service providers and enhancing the performance of Liberia’s Internet Exchange Point (IXP).

Delivering remarks on behalf of the LTA, Commissioner Angela Cassell Bush underscored the central role a strong and efficiently managed IXP plays in shaping Liberia’s digital future. She noted that improved local traffic exchange results in faster internet speeds, lower operational costs, stronger cyber protections, and greater overall network resilience. Commissioner Bush emphasized that a vibrant IXP supports critical sectors—including e- commerce, fintech, education, research, and national cybersecurity—by keeping local data traffic within the country. She acknowledged that Liberia’s current IXP, hosted by the Cable Consortium of Liberia (CCL), remains functional, but highlighted ongoing challenges related to governance and limited participation from internet service providers, many of whom are still not peering at the exchange.

She added that unlocking the full benefits of the IXP will require broader engagement from ISPs and mobile network operators, whose active involvement is crucial to reducing Liberia’s dependence on international routing and improving overall service quality. Commissioner Bush also pointed to encouraging developments, including upgraded equipment, the recent election of a new leadership team for the Liberia Internet Exchange Point Association (LIXPA), and strengthened partnerships aimed at modernizing the country’s internet infrastructure.

In closing, she reminded participants that the IXP is a critical component of Liberia’s national digital infrastructure and called for continued collaboration between regulators, service providers, and the private sector to build a more efficient and resilient exchange point.