- Constitutional reform in Mauritius can shield AFRINIC from political and external interference.
- Clearer legal protections can ensure the African registry keeps credibility in global internet governance.
Reinforcing AFRINIC’s constitutional position
The African Network Information Centre (AFRINIC), Africa’s only Regional Internet Registry, is central to the distribution of IP addresses and management of internet resources across the continent. AFRINIC benefits from the country’s tradition of democratic governance and the rule of law.
Recent disputes exposed the weaknesses in the constitutional framework which raised concerns about Mauritius’s capacity to protect institutions with global responsibilities. If stronger safeguards are not put in place, AFRINIC may continue to face domestic legal and political challenges that weaken its credibility internationally.
The long-term relevance of the registry in global internet governance depends on the Mauritian constitution insulating such bodies from arbitrary capture and disruption.
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Exposing the constitutional gap
Recent litigation and governance crises have shown where the legal system falls short. Court-ordered receiverships, expanded emergency powers, and competing interpretations of company law have left AFRINIC in a fragile state. In June 2025, the suspension of AFRINIC’s election due to disputes over board legitimacy drew concern from the global technical community.
Mauritius must consider constitutional provisions that secure the autonomy of organisations with global mandates. Embedding such protections could not only stabilise AFRINIC but also strengthen Mauritius’s image as a reliable host nation for digital infrastructure.
Securing AFRINIC’s global relevance
AFRINIC’s continuity is the vital for Africa’s digital growth. As one of only five RIRs worldwide, its work supports connectivity, trade, and technological innovation across the region. When its governance is disrupted, the impact spreads well beyond Africa, weakening confidence in the global allocation of internet resources.
independence of operation is fundamental to the credibility of global internet governance. Without stronger constitutional backing, AFRINIC risks losing influence in bodies such as ICANN.
Also read: How ICANN CEO is undermining Mauritius’ constitutional protections
Constitutional measures for resilience
To address these weaknesses, Mauritius could adopt several reforms:
- Judicial independence – Guarantee that courts can act impartially and promptly in disputes, which affecting these bodies.
- Transparency standards – Ensure the government measures involving AFRINIC are subject to clear legal thresholds and public oversight.
- Digital sovereignty – Recognise the importance of internet governance as part of national development and shield from external interference.
Taken together, these measures would help secure AFRINIC’s position and reinforce Mauritius’s appeal as a jurisdiction trusted for the digital governance.
Strategic importance for Mauritius
Constitutional reform would also serve the country’s wider strategic interests. Hosting AFRINIC is not only be mark of prestige but also is an asset in Mauritius’s ambition to become a leader in Africa’s digital economy. The registry underpins critical sectors including financial technology, e-commerce, and cloud services, which are central to the country’s plans for economic diversification.
AFRINIC is an African institution with global impact. Mauritius must safeguard its independence. If reforms are not pursued, Mauritius risks damage to its reputation and may face pressure from other African countries questioning whether AFRINIC should remain.
