• Cloud Innovation demands AFRINIC’s dissolution. It says this step is necessary to restore Africa’s IP resource management.
  • Critics, however, argue Cloud Innovation’s actions could disrupt the delicate balance of African internet governance.

Cloud innovation’s call for a “necessary reset”

Cloud Innovation Ltd. is AFRINIC’s third-largest member, and it has taken a firm stance against Africa’s current internet governance. First, it points out AFRINIC’s repeated failures and governance breakdown. The company also argues the registry cannot hold fair, democratic elections—a problem that undermines the future of Africa’s IP resource management.

Notably, the company’s call for AFRINIC’s dissolution is not an attack on regional governance itself. Instead, it is an urgent plea for a “reset” to build a trustworthy, effective system. The immediate trigger for Cloud Innovation’s action was the annulment of the June 23 election over an “unverified proxy dispute.” This decision “discarded valid votes” and, as a result, made trust in AFRINIC’s governance drop further.

Also read: Cloud Innovation supports ICANN’s move to derecognise AFRINIC, calls for successor to be immediately identified

A necessary disruption or overreach?

Cloud Innovation frames its demands as a “necessary reset.” However, some critics see its actions as disruptive overreach. When the company advocates for AFRINIC’s immediate dissolution, this risks creating more instability in the already fragile internet governance landscape. Additionally, the company’s stance is controversial, as it prompts people to question both the balance of power and the roles of other entities, such as ICANN and the NRO, in shaping Africa’s digital future.

AFRINIC supporters argue Cloud Innovation pushes aggressively for reform. They note this could undermine multistakeholder principles, which have long defined internet governance. Furthermore, these supporters argue that such disruptions may make it harder to rebuild trust in Africa’s regional governance structures. It could also further complicate the challenges faced by stakeholders across the continent.

Also read: AFRINIC vs Cloud Innovation: Who has the upper hand legally?

Cloud innovation’s vision for a new RIR

Cloud Innovation’s campaign focuses on one key demand: appoint a new Regional Internet Registry (RIR) to replace AFRINIC immediately. For instance, ICANN may derecognize AFRINIC, and Cloud Innovation supports this move—if a successor is found quickly. This support underscores the company’s commitment to keeping Africa’s IP resource management continuous.

Furthermore, Cloud Innovation’s vision goes beyond dismantling a failing system. It also aims to build a stronger, more effective governance model. Specifically, this model must address the growing needs of the continent’s digital infrastructure. The company says appointing a new RIR is the only workable solution. This solution can both restore trust and ensure Africa’s internet resources are managed transparently and accountably.

Key stakeholders back Cloud Innovation, so the company leads the effort to implement much-needed changes. If this initiative succeeds, it could reshape the future of African internet governance for years to come.

Also read: ICANN, Cloud Innovation & the limits of legal mandates in Africa’s RIR