AFRINIC

AFRINIC (African Network Information Centre) is the regional Internet registry (RIR) for Africa. Its headquarters are in Ebene, Mauritius. Before AFRINIC was formed, IP addresses (IPv6 and IPv4) for Africa were distributed by the Asia-Pacific Network Information Centre (APNIC), the American Registry for Internet Numbers (ARIN), and the RIPE NCC. ICANN provisionally recognised AFRINIC on 11 October 2004. The registry became operational on 22 February 2005. ICANN gave it final recognition in April 2005. The AFRINIC Board consists of a nine-member Board of Directors. Six of the directors are elected to represent the different sub-regions, while two directors are elected to serve on the Board-based solely on competency as opposed to regional representation. The last seat on the Board is filled by the Chief Executive Officer. Elections are held at each AFRNIC Annual General Meeting (AGMM), which is conducted around May/June every year. Voting takes place both on-site at these meetings and prior to the meeting via online voting. The AFRINIC Council of Elders consists of six former AFRINIC chairpersons. They fulfill an advisory role and harness all their experience leading the organisation as former Chairs. The Members of the AFRINIC Council of Elders are: Dr. Nii N. Quaynor (AFRINIC Board of Trustees Chair: 2001–2004) Mr Pierre S. Dandjinou (AFRINIC Chair: 2004–2008) Board Member: 2004-2010 Dr. Viv Padayatchy (AFRINIC Chair: 2008–2011) - Board Member: - 2005-2011 Mrs. Maimouna Ndeye Diop Diagne (AFRINIC Chair: 2011–2012) - Board Member: 2010-2013 Dr. Christian Bope AFRINIC staff carries out the daily operations of the organization. The Staff is structured in nine departments: CEO's Office, HR and Administration, Research and Innovation, Finance and Accounting, External Relations, Communication and Public Relations, Member Services, IT and Engineering, and Capacity Building. These divisions encompass all AFRINIC activities, including that of acting as a central source of information for Members.