A not-for-profit organization, AFRINIC is the regional Internet registry (RIR) for Africa and nearby islands in the Indian Ocean. It allocates and registers Internet Protocol (IP) addresses and autonomous system numbers (ASNs) in its service region, providing technical and administrative services that support the Internet in Africa. Established in 2004, AFRINIC has its headquarters in Ebene, Mauritius, and is one of five regional Internet registries that coordinate a fundamental part of the technical infrastructure of the Internet.
Governance and Membership
AFRINIC is governed by a board of directors elected by its members. The organization has about 2,400 members across 56 countries in its service region. Members include Internet service providers, Internet exchange points, governments, academic institutions, and other organizations and businesses that operate computer networks.
Services and Responsibilities
AFRINIC allocates IP address space to members, ensuring efficient and fair distribution. It also provides related technical and administrative services, such as training and support, to help members manage their IP address space and ASNs effectively. The organization plays a crucial role in maintaining the stability and security of the Internet in Africa.
Collaboration and Standards
AFRINIC collaborates with other RIRs, the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN), and other Internet governance organizations to develop and implement policies and standards that support the global Internet infrastructure. It actively participates in regional and global Internet governance forums to address issues related to IP address management and Internet resource allocation.