Africa’s Digital Frontier: Recent Developments in ccTLDs Across the Continent.

Published by Lyon Odhiambo

As Africa continues its journey through digital transformation, country code Top-Level Domains (ccTLDs) have emerged as vital tools for shaping national digital identities, enhancing cybersecurity, promoting local content, and enhancing trust in online ecosystems. From regulatory reforms to technological advancements, African nations are actively working to modernize and secure their domain name systems in ways that support economic growth and digital inclusivity.

This blog explores recent developments in Africa’s ccTLD space; from infrastructure upgrades and policy reforms to new localization strategies and emerging technologies.

1. Strategic Developments in African ccTLDs

Several countries have recently made notable strides in strengthening their national domain ecosystems:

Zambia (.zm): The Zambia Information and Communications Technology Authority (ZICTA) has modernized its ccTLD, making it more secure and user-friendly for both businesses and individuals.

Tanzania (.tz): The Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority (TCRA) introduced enhanced security protocols and now supports domain names in Swahili, reflecting the country’s cultural and linguistic identity.

Malawi (.mw): The Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA) is rolling out initiatives to make domain registration more accessible for local businesses and government agencies.

Sierra Leone (.sl): The Sierra Leone Network Information Centre (SLNIC) is focusing on improving internet infrastructure and digital presence through its ccTLD.

2. Infrastructure & Security Enhancements

Security remains a top priority for ccTLD administrators across the continent:

DNSSEC Implementation: Burkina Faso (.bf) and Cameroon (.cm) have recently adopted DNS Security Extensions (DNSSEC) to prevent spoofing attacks and ensure the integrity of domain name resolutions. This implementation was made possible through support from the Coalition for Digital Africa.

IPv6 Integration: South Africa (.za) and Egypt (.eg) are leading efforts in transitioning to IPv6 to ensure scalability and future-proof internet connectivity.

Several other African countries are also seeing progress in IPv6 adoption, particularly those where Starlink has launched. (Read article)

3. Localization and Accessibility Initiatives

Efforts to localize domain names and make them more accessible include:

Morocco: Introduced Arabic-script domain options to support linguistic diversity.

Ghana: Simplified domain registration processes, especially benefiting SMEs and startups aiming to establish an online presence quickly and affordably.

4. AFRINIC Board Election Updates

Following the annulment of a previous board election, AFRINIC’s Receiver presented the matter to the Supreme Court of Mauritius. The court reviewed the case and granted an exceptional extension to organize a new election. The deadline for reconstituting the AFRINIC board is now set for 30 September 2025.

Ongoing Challenges

Despite notable progress, challenges persist in the development of ccTLD infrastructure:

Low awareness: In countries like Malawi (.mw), rural populations remain largely unaware of local domain opportunities.

Regulatory hurdles: Some countries face delays in modernizing their ccTLDs due to outdated or unclear policy frameworks.

Technical limitations: Infrastructure and skilled personnel are not uniformly available across all regions.

Cybersecurity concerns: As internet usage increases, so does the risk of cyber threats.

Competition: Generic Top-Level Domains (gTLDs) like .com and .org continue to dominate, posing competition to local ccTLD adoption.

Future Trends in Africa’s Domain Landscape

Looking ahead, several innovative trends are beginning to take root in the African Domain space. This includes;

Blockchain-Based Domains: Seychelles (.sc) is exploring decentralized domain systems using blockchain technology to enhance security and ownership.

AI-Driven Management: Ethiopia (.et) is experimenting with AI for automating domain dispute resolution, potentially setting a precedent for other nations.

Conclusion

Across the continent, ccTLD developments reflect Africa’s broader digital aspirations: securing digital borders, empowering local businesses, and building trust in national digital ecosystems. These advancements not only highlight Africa’s growing internet infrastructure but also underscore its readiness to be a formidable player in the global digital economy.

As more African nations embrace innovation, collaboration, and inclusivity in managing their digital identities, the ccTLD landscape will continue to evolve, marking Africa’s progress on the digital frontier.