#Ghana #Accra #ICANN #Internet Governance #Africa Forum

Africa Engagement Forum Opens in Accra

The vibrant city of Accra, Ghana, witnessed the launch of the Africa Engagement Forum organized by the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) on December 9, 2025. This forum serves as a pivotal platform for diverse stakeholders aiming to strengthen regional collaboration and align on pressing priorities in Internet governance. It gathers experts, educators, and policymakers dedicated to propelling Africa's digital landscape into the future.

Pierre Dandjinou, ICANN's Vice President for Global Stakeholder Engagement, emphasized the essential nature of collaboration across sectors. He stated, "Africa's Internet growth depends on collaboration and steady investment in technical readiness." This forum is deemed crucial for discussing successes, identifying challenges, and exploring pathways to enhance regional participation in ICANN processes. The overarching goal is to bolster Domain Name System (DNS) operations and pave the way for technological innovation throughout the continent.

The forum will address multiple critical aspects affecting digital growth, including practical updates on Universal Acceptance and readiness for the New Generic Top-Level Domains (gTLD) Program's next phase. One of the highlighted aspects of the forum is the ongoing collaboration under the Coalition for Digital Africa, which aims to promote a comprehensive digital strategy across the region.

As discussions unfold, the community is encouraged to participate actively in dialogues with ICANN leadership. These interactions provide invaluable insights into how collaborative actions can drive positive developments for Africa's Internet Governance landscape.

In parallel with the Africa Engagement Forum, the Africa DNS Forum is set to follow the next day. This event, organized in association with the Africa Top Level Domains Organization and the Ghana Domain Name Registry, aims to delve deeper into DNS resilience alongside technical and operational concerns influencing the domain name industry in Africa.

Prominent figures from academia will also participate in this forum, including Professor Olusola Oyewole, Secretary-General of the Association of African Universities (AAU). He articulated the significant contribution of universities in shaping Africa's digital future. He expressed, "Hosting this forum reflects our commitment to ensuring that the next generation of engineers, policymakers, and innovators understand and contribute to the systems that keep the Internet running." The AAU's partnership with ICANN signifies a dedication to fostering technical skills and amplifying Africa's voice amid global discussions on Internet governance.

The Africa Engagement Forum is a reflection of a shared commitment towards multi-stakeholder collaboration and the vision of a resilient and stable Internet across Africa. Stakeholders are encouraged to stay updated by registering for sessions and accessing materials via the ICANN website.

About ICANN

Established in 1998 as a nonprofit organization, ICANN plays a vital role in ensuring a stable, secure, and unified global Internet. The organization manages a unique addressing system that facilitates communication across different devices and platforms on the Internet, underscoring its significance in the digital age.

About the Association of African Universities

Founded in 1967, the Association of African Universities, a non-profit NGO, is dedicated to promoting cooperation among African universities. The AAU advocates for improved quality in higher education across the continent while facilitating dialogue on crucial issues affecting education in Africa. For more information on their initiatives, visit the AAU's official website.