African Internet Stakeholders Rally for Stability of AfriNIC Amidst Legal Turmoil.

AfriNIC has been embroiled in complex and protracted legal disputes, particularly with Cloud Innovation Limited (CIL), that have significantly impacted its operational capacity and governance. Recent developments, including a petition filed by CIL on July 14, 2025, to liquidate AfriNIC, underscore the severity of the crisis. This situation has led to institutional paralysis, with board elections being annulled and the policy development process effectively stalled.

ISOC Chapters in Africa: A Steadfast Voice for Internet Governance

Internet Society Chapters across Africa, comprising a diverse and dedicated community of Internet stakeholders, have been vocal and active in their support for a stable and independent AfriNIC. Their role extends beyond mere observation; they are actively engaging in various capacities to ensure the principles of open, transparent, and multi-stakeholder Internet governance are upheld.

• Advocacy for Stability: ISOC Chapters have consistently advocated for the resolution of AfriNIC’s legal challenges, emphasizing the critical importance of the RIR’s uninterrupted function for the entire African Internet ecosystem. They highlight that the dispute is not just a commercial disagreement but a potential threat to the continent’s digital development.
• Promoting Multi-Stakeholder Governance: The Internet Society, globally and through its chapters, champions the multi-stakeholder model of Internet governance, where governments, civil society, technical communities, and the private sector all play a role. African ISOC Chapters are working to ensure that AfriNIC’s governance returns to this inclusive model, which has been undermined by the current legal battles.
• Capacity Building and Awareness: Even amidst the turmoil, ISOC Chapters continue their vital work in building capacity within the African Internet community. This includes training programs on Internet measurements (such as the “Measuring Internet Resilience in Africa – MIRA” project, a joint initiative with AfriNIC), routing security, and the development of community networks. These initiatives are crucial for strengthening the overall resilience of Africa’s Internet infrastructure.
• Participation in Policy Development: While AfriNIC’s formal Policy Development Process (PDP) faces significant hurdles due to the governance crisis, ISOC Chapters remain committed to community-driven policy discussions. They actively participate in relevant forums and discussions, seeking to ensure that future policies for IP address allocation and management meet the needs of the African Internet community.

The Role of DNS Africa Media and Communications in underserved regions:

The impact of these broader challenges resonates at the local level. In communities across Africa, where organizations like the Success Bridge Community Development Foundation are striving to connect the unconnected through initiatives like the Lords Favor Schools project, the stability of core Internet infrastructure like AfriNIC is paramount.

DNS Africa Media and Communications, a key local player in the ICT EcoSystem, with its CEO, Dr. Adebunmi Adeola Akinbo, a former Chapter Advisory Council Ag.Chair and also the founder of Community NetHUBs Africa, is deeply invested in these outcomes. While their direct involvement with AfriNIC’s legal issues may be indirect, their work in promoting digital literacy, community networks, and online safety is inextricably linked to a healthy and functioning African Internet.

“The stability of AfriNIC directly impacts our ability to build a robust and secure Internet for communities like rural arears like Abule-Iroko,” stated Dr. Akinbo. “As we work to deploy community networks and ensure safe online environments, we rely on the foundational services provided by AfriNIC. We stand with the Internet Society Chapters and other stakeholders in advocating for a swift and sustainable resolution to the current crisis.”

DNS Africa Media and Communications plays a crucial role in localizing the broader Internet governance discussions. By actively participating in initiatives like Safer Internet Day alongside ISOC Nigeria Chapter and engaging in efforts to establish community networks, they help translate global Internet principles into tangible benefits for local residents.

The Path Forward:

The recent legal actions against AfriNIC highlight the fragility of even critical Internet institutions when faced with prolonged disputes. The collective efforts of ISOC Chapters in Africa and other committed organizations underscore the African Internet community’s determination to preserve AfriNIC’s independence and restore its full operational capacity. Their continued advocacy and engagement are vital to ensuring that Africa’s digital future remains open, accessible, and resilient for all its citizens.

About Author

Dr. Adebunmi Adeola Akinbo

Dr. Adebunmi Akinbo is a Researcher, Media Psychologist, Brand and Content Expert. He is an Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) Fellow, Member of Association of Cyber Forensics and Threat Investigators (ACFTI), Associate Member of the Computer Professional Registration Council of Nigeria (CPN), and a Senior Member of Chartered Institute of Public Diplomacy & Management (CIPDM), He is passionate for information and solutions for ICT Challenges by the media for the global village.

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