AF Day: Strengthening Africa’s Internet Governance Ecosystem*
AF Day* was a highlight of the AIS 2025 program, dedicated to showcasing the vital work of the Af* organisations that form the backbone of Africa’s Internet ecosystem. With the current challenges facing AFRINIC, this year's discussions carried particular weight. The need for stronger safeguards and accountability mechanisms within Internet governance institutions was front and center—especially the ICP-2 Review Process, which emerged as a crucial tool for enforcing transparency and compliance.
Throughout the day, the community openly shared their views and concerns about AFRINIC’s situation, sparking insightful dialogue and proposed paths forward.
Distinguished speakers from across the African Internet landscape took to the stage:
- Lynn St Amour, former CEO of the Internet Society, delivered a compelling keynote on governance resilience. |Youtube Video|
- Nancy Dotse, AFNOG Coordinator, provided a comprehensive update on NOGs across Africa. |Youtube Video|
- Prof. Adewale Adedokun, AFRINIC Director, addressed the audience with an open message to the community. |Youtube video|
- Jean Robert Hountomey (AfricaCERT) |Youtube video|, Lucky Masilela (DotAfrica) |Youtube video|, Mouhamet Diop (AfRegistrar) |Youtube video|, Dawit Bekele (ISOC) |Youtube video|, Pierre Dandjinou (ICANN) |Youtube video|, and Dorcas Muthoni (AfChix) |Youtube video| delivered key updates from their respective areas.
Panel Discussions
A pivotal panel discussion titled “Protection and Safeguards for Internet Governance Institutions in Africa” featured:
- Amin Dayek (Megamore)
- Mohamet Diop (AfRegistrar)
- Mrs. Thelma Quaye (Smart Africa)
They explored practical measures and shared strategic perspectives to ensure the sustainability and integrity of governance bodies like AFRINIC. |Youtube Video|
Goodwill & Governance Reflections
- Messages of support and collaboration were shared by Hans Peter Holen |Youtube Video|, Aurora Vani (Chairperson of ISPA) |Youtube Video|, and John Crain (CTO & SVP, ICANN). |Youtube Video|
- Kishna Dhondee, Legal Officer at AFRINIC, gave a candid overview of AFRINIC’s governance journey—highlighting key lessons learned and outlining a potential roadmap for recovery and reform. |Youtube Video|
A special highlight of the day was the 30 Years of Internet Celebration. Lively interventions traced the history and political journey of the Internet in Ghana and Africa. Reflections came from:
A special highlight of the day was the 30 Years of Internet Celebration. Lively interventions traced the history and political journey of the Internet in Ghana and Africa. Reflections came from:
Navigating ICP-2 Compliance & The Future
A dedicated session on ICP-2 compliance and ICANN Resolution 2024.12.24.1 featured experts Hans Peter Holen (NRO NC), Maemura Akinori, and Herve Clement (ASO AC) explain some of the requirements for ICP-2v2. |Youtube Video|
A critical forward-looking session—“AFRINIC 2.0: The Way Forward”, moderated by Jean Robert Hountomey, sparked honest reflections and strategic proposals to rebuild trust in Africa’s regional Internet registry. |YouTube Video|
The day wrapped up with a tribute to Barry Boubakaar, former CEO of WACREN.
A special highlight of the day was the 30 Years of Internet Celebration. Lively interventions traced the history and political journey of the Internet in Ghana and Africa. Reflections came from:
Catch Up on the Action!
- Watch the talks & panels on the AIS YouTube Channel
- Browse event photos on the AIS Flickr Gallery
- Access slides & recordings via the AIS 2025 Program