Building Iraq’s peering landscape

09 Feb 2026
Al Wasl Ballroom
Capacity Iraq Connect

Peering offers reduced latency and lower IP transit costs, essential for driving improved connectivity within Iraq. With the launch of Iraq’s first neutral IXP, IRAQ-IXP, last year, it has surged to be the region’s third-largest IXP by connected networks, showing the demand for peering services in Iraq. 

  • How critical is peering for the development of the Northern route between Europe and the Middle East? 
  • What role can peering play in supporting the rapidly expanding ISP sector within Iraq?  
  • When are we likely to see the launch of additional IXPs in Iraq?  
Chairperson
Isabelle Paradis
Isabelle Paradis, President - Hot Telecom
Speakers
Marco  Brandstätter
Marco Brandstätter, Global Program Manager DE-CIX as a Service - DE-CIX
Ahmed Rakwi
Ahmed Rakwi, CEO - IRAQ-IXP
Serkan Sevim
Serkan Sevim, CEO - Medianova
Alper Güzel
Alper Güzel, Director - TURKCELL