- AFRINIC’s June 2025 election failure reveals a broken governance system, exposing deeper issues in managing Africa’s IP resources.
- Cloud Innovation calls for AFRINIC’s dissolution and the appointment of a new, accountable RIR to restore trust.
AFRINIC’s June 2025 election crisis: A breakdown in governance
In June 2025, AFRINIC, Africa’s Regional Internet Registry, faced a governance disaster. The highly anticipated election was annulled because of a proxy dispute that remained unverified. AFRINIC discarded valid votes, further undermining its already fragile credibility. This debacle wasn’t an isolated issue but a reflection of the systemic failures plaguing AFRINIC for years.
Stakeholders voiced anger, as they saw the election collapse as a blatant example of AFRINIC’s inability to manage vital internet resources. For years, poor decision-making and lack of accountability have weakened its function. With each failed election, AFRINIC has eroded public trust, and many now believe that a complete overhaul is necessary.
Also read: AFRINIC elections set, voters urged to ‘Reclaim Your Power’
Cloud Innovation’s call for reform: The way forward
Cloud Innovation, AFRINIC’s third-largest member, has had enough. The company, directly affected by AFRINIC’s governance breakdown, has called for the organisation’s dissolution. Cloud Innovation argues that AFRINIC’s inability to conduct fair elections is just the latest failure in a long series of mismanagement. As a result, they demand the establishment of a new, more accountable Regional Internet Registry (RIR).
Cloud Innovation asserts that Africa’s IP resources require an organisation capable of restoring transparency and trust. The company has urged ICANN and the NRO to act swiftly and appoint a new RIR that can better serve Africa’s digital infrastructure needs. Without change, the future of Africa’s IP resources remains uncertain.
Also read: Why Cloud Innovation calls for AFRINIC to be dissolved
ICANN’s involvement: A power struggle for Africa’s digital sovereignty
The AFRINIC crisis has attracted ICANN’s attention, but its involvement raises concerns. Critics argue that ICANN’s push for the ICP-2 compliance document, which could enable it to de-recognise regional registries, marks a dangerous overreach. Some fear that ICANN’s actions could undermine Africa’s bottom-up governance model, which ensures regional autonomy in managing IP resources.
While ICANN claims to act in the best interest of global internet governance, many see this as part of a broader power struggle. Cloud Innovation, alongside other critics, calls for an end to ICANN’s interference in Africa’s governance. They argue that the continent must retain control over its own digital future, free from external influence.
Also read: ICANN’s role in AFRINIC elections faces scrutiny, claims of interference
A critical juncture for Africa’s digital future
AFRINIC’s failure in June 2025 exposed deep flaws in its governance. These issues have left Africa’s digital future at a crossroads. Cloud Innovation’s call for AFRINIC’s dissolution highlights the urgency of reforming how Africa’s IP resources are managed. To ensure a stable and transparent future, ICANN and the NRO must act quickly to appoint a new, accountable RIR. Without immediate reform, Africa’s digital sovereignty risks further erosion.
