.africa Domains Registration: 10 Years and Beyond

May 6, 2024

It is the year 2024, and millions of people, just like you, can connect with each other across continents in mere milliseconds.

.africa is a domain name that promotes unity and forward momentum throughout Africa.

As .africa marks the 10th anniversary of the domain name, we commemorate Africa’s journey in the online domain registration space, its unity, diversity, achievements, and boundless possibilities for the continent and its culture.

.africa Time Line

The .africa domain name was created to bring the continent closer together by offering a quintessentially African domain name that encompasses all.

->In 2008, the Africa Strategy Group envisioned a unified digital identity with the .africa concept, setting the stage for what would become a symbol of African innovation in the digital space. Two years later, the Abuja declaration recognised the potential of .africa as an ICT Growth catalyst, propelling the continent into the future of technology and e-commerce.

->The African Union Commission (AUC) opened the floor for an Expression of Interest in 2011, inviting bids for this prestigious project, which culminated in the 2012 announcement of the ZA Central Registry (ZACR) as the preferred bidder. This recognition was a precursor to the global domain stage’s acknowledgement when the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) opened applications for new gTLDs in the same year.

->The momentum was temporarily halted by court litigation in 2015, resulting in the suspension of the .africa TLD, a challenge that culminated in a significant 2016 legal victory when Judge H. Halm declined a preliminary injunction against the TLD’s delegation.

->The resilience of the .africa initiative bore fruit in 2017 when the domain went live, signifying a successful delegation and the official birth of the .africa TLD—a beacon for Africa’s united digital future and a platform that would transform the continent’s internet presence.

Here we are 10 Years Later.

The .africa Domains Legacy

The domain name .africa is a tribute to the hard work and dedication of numerous pioneers who recognised the potential of digital innovation in Africa. Thanks to the efforts of our Registry Africa pioneers, .africa has become a symbol of pride and opportunity for individuals, businesses, and initiatives throughout Africa.

Their efforts were supported by key declarations, such as the Oliver Tambo and Abuja Declarations, which laid the groundwork for .africa’s intellectual and ideological foundations, firmly anchoring it within the continent’s aspirations for sovereignty and unity. In 2017, at the launch of .africa, the former Chairperson of AUC, Dr Nkosazana Zuma, said, “Go out there, create awareness and celebrate the .africa domain name.”

Our leaders understood the importance of this call, spreading the word about a domain name boasting a powerful online identity, and worked tirelessly to ensure that .africa became a reputable player among the most popular domain extensions.

Registry Africa CEO Lucky Masilela speaks to our dedication to managing this domain responsibly: “Our contract being renewed is a sign of the responsible and trusted way in which we have delivered on our previous contracted mandate to manage this African top-level domain name for Africans by Africans.”

Today, .africa continues to serve as a powerful catalyst for digital innovation and entrepreneurship in Africa, inspiring countless individuals to pursue their dreams and positively impact their communities.

Bridging Cultures and Digital Communities

Africa’s rich heritage is reflected in registering the .africa domain name, as it preserves cultural identities and promotes unity. Whether you are an entrepreneur looking to establish an online presence for your business or a creative person seeking a unique online name, .africa invites everyone.

Buying a domain name on .africa means that you are creating a website and claiming a piece of Africa’s digital legacy.

The .africa domain name is a symbol of African heritage and unity.

Registry Africa has introduced an initiative called African Governments Reserved List, an excellent example of how .africa has played a crucial role in preserving the continent’s rich cultural and historical names. This initiative allowed African nations to reserve up to 100 names each, thus protecting their cultural heritage and preventing misuse. Doing so ensures that the digital representation of Africa’s diverse identities is appropriate.

The Impact of .africa

Over the last decade, the .africa domain name has achieved tremendous success, demonstrating the power of domain names in connecting and empowering a continent. Providing Domain Name System (DNS) management and hosting plans catering to African businesses and communities, .africa has shown that selecting the right domain name is essential for establishing a solid online presence. The increasing adoption of this domain name shows its appeal and suitability for organisations looking to make a local and global mark.

The establishment of the dotAfrica Foundation has been a significant achievement in promoting digital literacy, human development, and societal integration through technology. The Foundation’s efforts in developing country code top-level domains (ccTLDs), addressing gender issues, and supporting registrar and content development have been crucial in connecting the next billion users. By utilising technology and empowering the community, the dotAfrica Foundation is positively impacting society and paving the way for a brighter digital future.

From monthly domain growth to the dispersal of registrants across the globe, .africa has demonstrated a steady increase in adoption, with notable market shares held by top registrars. These achievements highlight .africa’s role in shaping the digital continent and its appeal to a global audience.

.africa and Beyond

As we look ahead, the vision for .africa is to unite people and bridge the digital divide. This vision includes removing barriers to entry, promoting local content development, and ensuring that everyone in Africa has equal access to the Internet.

The “Internet Revolution” and “Connecting the Next Billion” initiatives are just the beginning of .africa’s mission to play a vital role in the continent’s digital revolution, creating a future where every African can leverage the power of the internet.

To continue this mission, .africa is committed to breaking more barriers and making domain name registration accessible for everyone.

Registry Africa’s Offerings

If you are wondering how to manage your online identity effectively or why you need a domain name, .africa offers an easy-to-use platform that addresses these queries head-on. By empowering you to find the perfect domain name, manage your DNS settings, and align your website with your business goals and cultural identity, .africa is committed to helping you make the most of your online platform.

Here’s To a Decade of Embracing Your Online Identity with .africa

.africa offers your domain name an opportunity to be part of something bigger, deeply rooted in African excellence and global connectivity.

With user-friendly tools, a vast selection of domain extensions, and a commitment to supporting your journey, .africa is ready to help you buy a domain name, explore hosting plans, or simply strengthen your online presence.

As we look forward to the future, .africa is committed to supporting your aspirations and helping you secure your place online with an impactful domain name.

You can register your .africa domain name here.

.africa Domains Registration: 10 Years and Beyond