Nairobi: The Chair of the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) Board, Tripti Sinha, has called on African governments, businesses, technical experts, and communities to work together to build an internet ecosystem that is inclusive, innovative, and resilient.
According to Kenya News Agency, speaking during the opening ceremony of the Africa Internet Summit 2026 in Nairobi, Sinha underscored the importance of collaboration, innovation, and resilience in Africa’s digital transformation. She emphasized that these elements are crucial for the continent to shape and lead the global digital economy. Sinha highlighted that the challenges and opportunities presented by Africa’s diverse landscape-comprising over 50 countries, numerous languages, and varying levels of infrastructure development-necessitate a collective approach.
Sinha stressed the importance of collaboration, stating that Africa’s internet future cannot be built in isolation. She pointed out that no single entity can build the digital infrastructure required, and partnerships have proven valuable through initiatives like cross-border fibre networks and projects targeting rural and underserved communities.
She also paid tribute to the late ICANN Board member Alan Barrett, recognizing his contributions to internet development in Africa, including establishing the first internet connection for South African universities and helping create the .za domain.
Sinha advised that Africa should develop solutions tailored to its unique circumstances rather than adopting models from other regions. She highlighted the continent’s innovation, driven by constraints such as limited infrastructure, which has inspired mobile-first solutions that have transformed access to financial services, healthcare, and education.
The Chairperson noted Africa’s youthful population as a significant driver of innovation and urged governments to support innovation ecosystems by reducing regulatory barriers and investing in education and technology access. Additionally, she emphasized the need for greater inclusion of African languages online through Universal Acceptance and Internationalized Domain Names.
Sinha reported that ICANN and its partners have engaged over 300 universities across Africa to improve Universal Acceptance compliance, with compliant institutions increasing significantly. She emphasized the importance of Africa’s digital systems being resilient to withstand economic shocks, climate change, cybersecurity threats, and political instability.
The Chairperson highlighted progress in internet security, including the growth of Domain Name System Security Extensions (DNSSEC) validation in Africa. She stressed the role of National Research and Education Networks (NRENs) in Africa’s digital future, citing Kenya’s KENET as an exemplary model. Sinha disclosed significant strides made by countries like South Africa, Uganda, Morocco, Egypt, and Zambia in developing research and education networks.
Sinha concluded by urging African stakeholders to continue building partnerships, promoting innovation, and strengthening resilience to prepare the continent for emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence and quantum computing. She emphasized that the digital future belongs to those who build for it, and the opportunity before Africa is immense.
