In a global context where digital technology is becoming a key driver of economic and social development, the Liberian government is investing to ensure high-quality Internet access for all, including more affordable costs.
The Liberia Telecommunications Authority (LTA) is modernizing the Liberia Internet Exchange Point (LIXP), the country’s sole internet exchange point. Last week, the regulator acquired $39,000 worth of new equipment for the LIXP, which it said will improve internet quality.
“The main goal of an IXP is to improve the efficiency of Internet routing by allowing for direct interconnection between networks. This can help reduce latency, decrease bandwidth costs, improve network performance, and enhance overall Internet reliability and resilience" the LTA said in a Facebook statement.
Improved internet connectivity could support the government’s “Digital Fast Track” program, which aims to accelerate Liberia’s digital transformation by improving digital infrastructure and services. The government considers digital infrastructure crucial for achieving national development goals.
The UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA) ranks Liberia 47th out of 54 African countries in e-government deployment, with an e-Government Development Index (EGDI) score of 0.2513 out of 1. UN DESA notes that Liberia has an average EGDI, “reflecting steady growth in digital integration despite various challenges.” The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) ranks Liberia 36th out of 47 African countries for ICT development, with a score of 37.1 out of 100.
Despite government efforts, Liberia faces significant digital infrastructure deficits beyond the internet exchange point. The country has only one fiber-optic submarine cable, which is frequently disrupted and affects internet access. According to Datacenterplatform, Liberia has only one data center. UN DESA gives Liberia a telecom infrastructure score of 0.1238 out of 1, a key component of the EGDI.
By Isaac K. Kassouwi,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
