AfTLD’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Kigali, Rwanda.

The Africa Top Level Domains Organization (AfTLD) recently held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) on June 13, 2024, in Kigali, Rwanda. This pivotal event gathered key stakeholders from across the continent to discuss pressing issues, elect new leadership, and set strategic directions for the future.

Election of New Directors

One of the highlights of the AGM was the election of new directors to the AfTLD board. The members welcomed Molehe Wesi- the CEO of .za Domain Name Authority (ZADNA), and Deo Gratias Tonouhewa – the Director General of Jeny Sas, to the board as Directors. This was after the tenure of Dr. Serge Sanou (.SN) and Prof. Nicholas Raft Razafindrakoto (.MG) ended, and new members had to be voted for by members to the board. Their inclusion is expected to bring fresh perspectives and drive innovative initiatives within the organization.

AfNIC Officially Joins AfTLD as an Associate Member.

In a significant move towards enhancing collaboration and strengthening the domain name system (DNS) landscape in Africa, AfNIC, the association tasked with managing the domain name registry in France has officially joined the Africa Top Level Domains Organization (AfTLD) as an associate member. This partnership marks a milestone in fostering regional cooperation and advancing the digital infrastructure across the continent.

AfNIC, brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to AfTLD. By joining forces, both organizations aim to leverage their collective strengths to address common challenges, share best practices, and support the growth of the internet ecosystem in Africa. AfNIC and AfTLD are committed to building a more connected and digitally inclusive Africa.

Organizational Matters

In addition to the elections, several critical organizational matters were on the agenda. Key topics included: Strategic Planning, in which the board discussed long-term strategies to increase the adoption and management of top-level domains in Africa. This includes enhancing the visibility of African TLDs and improving infrastructure to support growing digital economies.

Capacity Building, where emphasis was placed on capacity-building initiatives to empower local registrars and stakeholders. AfTLD aims to provide more training and resources to ensure African countries can effectively manage their domain name systems.

Collaboration and Partnerships, focusing on strengthening ties with international internet governance bodies and fostering regional collaborations, were identified as crucial steps for advancing AfTLD’s mission. These partnerships are expected to drive knowledge exchange and support.

Looking Forward

The AGM concluded with a renewed commitment to advancing the digital landscape in Africa. Molehe Wesi and Deo Gratias’s inclusion on the board marks a new chapter for AfTLD, promising enhanced leadership and strategic growth. The discussions and decisions during the meeting underscore AfTLD’s dedication to supporting Africa’s robust and inclusive internet environment.

As AfTLD continues to evolve, the organization remains focused on addressing the unique challenges faced by the African ccTLDs and the internet community and leveraging opportunities to foster innovation and development. The outcomes of the AGM set a positive tone for the future, with the organization poised to make significant strides in the coming years.