AFRINIC

AFRINIC, the African Network Information Centre, is the regional Internet registry (RIR) for Africa. It is responsible for the allocation and registration of Internet number resources within its region, including IPv4 and IPv6 address space and Autonomous System Numbers (ASNs). AFRINIC operates within the global framework of Internet governance coordinated by ICANN and IANA and collaborates with the other RIRs to align policy and operational practices.

The organization was established in 2004 and began operations in 2005, and it is headquartered in Mauritius. AFRINIC maintains a WHOIS database of resource holders and manages reverse DNS delegations for the resources it allocates.

Policy development at AFRINIC is community-driven. Members and other stakeholders participate in forums to discuss and draft resource policies. When consensus is reached, the AFRINIC Board of Directors adopts the policies and implements them through registration services.

Beyond allocation and registration, AFRINIC provides training and capacity-building programs and support for its member community. It serves Internet service providers, data centers, enterprises, researchers, governments, and other institutions across Africa.

In addition to resource management, AFRINIC engages in global Internet governance efforts, collaborating with ICANN, the IETF, and other RIRs to promote open, stable, and secure Internet infrastructure. The organization strives to ensure fair distribution of resources, address growth, and enhance connectivity across the continent.

Governance is exercised by a board of directors elected by AFRINIC members, supported by an executive team and staff, with transparent processes for policy development and financial accountability.