Smart Africa and AFNIC signed an MoU in Geneva to deepen cooperation on domain name management, cybersecurity and technical capacity building across Africa.
The deal centers on training country code top-level domain operators, aiming to improve the management and long-term sustainability of national internet registries.
It also targets stronger DNS security and resilience, a core layer of internet infrastructure that keeps websites and online services reachable and secure.
Smart Africa said the partnership should speed registry modernization by spreading advanced technologies and best practices, supporting broader digital transformation and internet governance goals across the continent.
Could standardizing Africa's internet infrastructure unintentionally stifle the continent's diverse local digital innovations?
As Africa champions data sovereignty, can a partnership with a French entity truly secure its digital independence?
Will this high-level pact actually lower internet costs for millions or just centralize technical control?
Smart Africa–AFNIC MoU: Strengthening Africa’s Internet Infrastructure for a Single Digital Market by 2030
Overview
Smart Africa and AFNIC have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen Africa's internet infrastructure. This partnership aims to create a more secure, resilient, and modern internet ecosystem by enhancing technical capabilities and improving governance frameworks. By fostering a well-managed and advanced internet landscape, the collaboration supports Africa's broader digital transformation agenda. Addressing persistent challenges in internet infrastructure, the initiative is designed to drive sustainable digital growth and development across the region, ensuring that Africa is better equipped for a robust and secure digital future.