- AFRINIC’s IPv6 programme delivers free, certified training and hands-on deployathons to hundreds of network engineers annually.
- Policy support, outreach and helpdesk services accelerate IPv6 deployment across diverse African regions, linking local needs to global standards.
AFRINIC’s commitment to IPv6 capacity building
AFRINIC recognises that effective IPv6 adoption depends on skilled and informed network engineers. Through its IPv6 programme, AFRINIC offers free, Gold‑standard training to over 600 professionals each year. The courses include hands‑on labs using real equipment and cover all aspects of deployment — from address planning to troubleshooting. For many participants, this is the first time they can work with IPv6 technology in a controlled learning environment.
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Hands-on deployathons to build real-world skills
Since 2018, AFRINIC has hosted interactive “Deployathon” workshops and one‑on‑one “DO Helpdesk” sessions across 32 countries. These events led to over 377 successful IPv6 implementation milestones, including core network deployment, correct prefix advertisement and RPKI configuration. Engineers report that practical guidance on DNS configuration, RPKI setup and flow label use was essential in helping them go live with IPv6 during and immediately after the workshops.
Online courses and certification: from zero to certified
AFRINIC’s “Zero to Certified: IPv6 in 21 Days” online workshop drew participants from 21 different countries, with 76 engineers engaged and 22 graduates earning certificates — six passing the global Certi6 SILVER exam. This programme combines live sessions, interactive labs and cohort-based learning. Such certification demonstrates operator readiness to deploy IPv6 across networks and fosters a growing regional community of IPv6 professionals.
Broad support through IPv6 helpdesk and webinars
Beyond classroom-style training, AFRINIC provides ongoing support through an IPv6 helpdesk and regular bilingual webinars. Members can receive personalised assistance with transitioning from IPv4, including setting up tunnels or full dual-stack configurations. Monthly webinars also cover advanced topics like SLAAC, flow labelling and transition mechanisms, helping engineers stay up to date with modern deployment practices.
Policy frameworks facilitating IPv6 adoption
AFRINIC’s consolidated policy manual supports IPv6 allocation and deployment. Members or ISPs can request /48 or larger allocations with a clear deployment plan, ensuring responsible use of address space. Public policy meetings held twice a year give stakeholders a platform to influence IPv6-related policies, reinforcing a bottom-up governance model and aligning regional needs with global standards.
Government engagement and regional coordination
AFRINIC works closely with governments via its IPv6 taskforces, such as the African IPv6 Task Force (AF6TF), which brings together regulators, policy experts and technical operators to draft national adoption strategies. Partnering with bodies like the African Telecommunications Union, AFRINIC assists governments in integrating IPv6 into national infrastructure plans, positioning IPv6 as a pillar of digital economic growth.
Infrastructure development and digital inclusion
AFRINIC’s Internet Development Programme provides fellowships, workshops and research grants to enable wider digital inclusion . These efforts focus on empowering underrepresented groups and extending IPv6 connectivity to rural regions, community networks and educational institutions — expanding the social and economic benefits of next-generation internet accessibility.
Tracking IPv6 deployment progress
Independent studies show that IPv6 adoption is growing across Africa — particularly in southern and eastern regions where university networks and research institutions are early adopters. AFRINIC’s training and infrastructure support have been foundational to achieving reliable routing stability and broader IPv6 readiness on the continent.
Why IPv4 still matters alongside IPv6 adoption
While AFRINIC actively promotes the transition to IPv6, IPv4 remains essential for Africa’s current internet operations. Many networks, businesses, and public services still depend on IPv4 due to legacy systems, limited equipment upgrades, and customer compatibility needs. The reality is that IPv6 adoption takes time, and during this transition period, IPv4 ensures stable connectivity, access to global networks, and uninterrupted service delivery. Managing IPv4 resources fairly and efficiently remains a key part of supporting.
