The event, themed “Building a Truly Global, Multilingual #Internet4All”, will hold virtually on Monday 18 May 2026 by 10:00AM WAT, bringing together stakeholders across government, academia, technology, digital policy, and the Internet community to discuss the future of Universal Acceptance and digital inclusivity.

The Upperlink, ICANN, UNESCO and Universal Acceptance Steering Group’s UA Day 2026 will feature live demonstrations, expert-led strategy sessions, and conversations around enabling Internet systems, applications, and digital platforms to support all domain names and email addresses, regardless of language, script, or character length.

Speaking on the importance of the initiative, Akano Olusegun, the managing director and CEO of Upperlink Limited, noted that Universal Acceptance is critical to ensuring that billions of Internet users around the world can fully participate online using their native languages and local digital identities.

“As Africa’s digital economy continues to grow, there is an urgent need to build Internet systems that reflect linguistic diversity and provide equal access for all users. UA Day 2026 is an opportunity for stakeholders to collaborate and shape a more inclusive digital future,” Olusegun stated.

The event aligns with ongoing global efforts championed by ICANN and UNESCO to promote digital inclusion, local language accessibility, and universal Internet participation.

Developers, tech ecosystem players, policymakers, educators, Internet governance stakeholders, students, startups, and digital rights advocates are encouraged to participate in the session.

Registration

Participation is free, but interested participants are required to register to attend the event via the official registration link here or QR code provided on the event flyer.

Seeking to enhance trust, adoption and ensure money circulates within the country rather than being lost to foreign platforms, the Nigeria Internet Registration Association (NiRA) confirmed it has deployed DNSSEC across the .ng domain, meaning the country’s internet addresses can now be verified and protected against cyber attacks.

At the unveiling, Adesola Akinsanya, NiRA president, said the move is meant to stop attackers from redirecting users to fake websites, a growing risk as more services move online.

“The successful deployment and unveiling of DNSSEC on the ng domain represents a defining moment for Nigeria’s internet ecosystem,” the President said.

Described as a long-awaited fix to a weak point in Nigeria’s digital system, DNSSEC provides all round protection. The internet already translates website names into numerical addresses, but it was built on trust. However, that trust can be exploited.

DNSSEC adds a verification layer, confirming that when a user types a .ng website, they are reaching the real destination, not a fake one set up by criminals.

If attackers control a domain’s routing, they can redirect traffic without hacking the website itself. DNSSEC is meant to block that route.

“This achievement did not happen overnight. It is as a result of years of commitment, collaboration and shared vision,” Adebiyi Oladipo, vice chair, ICANN ccNSO said.

The DNSSEC has now been fully signed and is in a monitoring phase, with a gradual rollout planned for registrars and domain owners.

The upgrade puts Nigeria in line with global standards and strengthens trust in local digital services.

Adoption, the bigger problem

The conversation went beyond technology to the issue of Nigerians not using .ng enough. Awareness is low, hence, the media is key to changing that.

Billions still leaving the country

Beyond perception, the economic argument cannot be ignored. NiRA said Nigeria loses billions every year to foreign domain registration and hosting services, as businesses choose .com and host their platforms abroad.

That money, they argued, should stay in the country, especially as local data centres now have the capacity to handle large-scale hosting.

NiRA also confirmed plans to work with organisations like the Corporate Affairs Commission to tie business registration more closely to domain ownership.

What comes next

NiRA is now pushing for adoption, with banks, telecom firms, government agencies and e-commerce platforms being asked to enable DNSSEC and move fully into the .ng space.

“This unveiling is not just about technology; it is about building trust in Nigeria’s digital future,” Oluwaseyi Onasanya, the COO said.

The issue came into focus at a Media Advocacy and Capacity Building Workshop organised by the Nigeria Internet Registration Association (NiRA) in collaboration with the Nigeria Information Technology Reporters Association (NITRA), where journalists gathered under the theme “The Role of Media in Advancing Nigeria’s Digital Identity.”

In his opening remarks, Adesola Akinsanya, NiRA president, said the engagement aimed to strengthen collaboration with the media on digital identity awareness.

He described the session as a “handshake” between NiRA and journalists, stressing that the partnership is essential to growing Nigeria’s digital presence.

“I would like to begin with a critical question that should frame our engagement today: who truly owns Nigeria’s digital identity? Is it shaped by the platforms we use, the domains we register, or the narratives we amplify?” he said.

“The reality is that digital identity is neither accidental nor passive, it is deliberately constructed, and increasingly, it is contested. In this context, your role as journalists and media professionals becomes not just relevant, but strategic.”

The president encouraged participants to see themselves as active stakeholders in national development, urging a more patriotic approach to digital identity. “We should be seen doing it to be patriotic and to move this country forward.”

Speaking at the session, Adebiyi Oladipo, vice chair, ICANN ccNSO, also a researcher and lecturer said the issue goes beyond technology and shows how Nigeria values its own digital space.

“This is not about NiRA, this is about Nigeria,” he said.

He compared Nigeria with other countries, pointing to wide gaps between population size and the number of registered country-code domains.

China, with over 1.4 billion people, has about 21 million domain names. Germany, with 83.6 million people, has more than 17 million. The Netherlands, with just 18.4 million people, holds about 6.3 million domains.

Nigeria, by contrast, has only about 240,000.

The difference becomes apparent when measured per population. Germany has more than 200 domains per 1,000 people. The Netherlands records over 300. Nigeria stands at less than one.

“I find it really absurd that a country of over 200 million people we are struggling with 240,000 domain names,” Oladipo said.

A stronger economic framing came from Oluwaseyi Onasanya, COO of NiRA, who said the “.ng” domain is not a technical product but a national critical asset tied directly to economic survival and sovereignty.

“.ng is not a technical tool, but a national critical asset. It is the bedrock of a digital economy,” she said.

She warned that every time a Nigerian business chooses a foreign domain, the country loses part of its digital economic value.

“What that means is that we are taking out a significant part of our digital economy offshore,” she said.

Oladipo said Nigeria is failing to treat “.ng” as a national asset. Instead, many businesses prefer foreign domains, especially “.com”.

“When you choose .com, you are pushing the value away from our environment,” he said.

He described domain names as economic assets rather than technical tools, comparing them to land in real estate.

“The domain is not a technical asset. It’s an economic asset, because you can make money from it,” he said.

He added that the opportunity extends across a value chain, from domain registration to website development, digital marketing and online business growth.

Oladipo also addressed perception challenges, noting that many Nigerians wrongly believe local domains are less secure, even though infrastructure matches global standards.

“Everything that exists with .com exists with us,” he said.

He linked the slow adoption to mistrust and poor information, warning that false narratives can shape public opinion.

“There’s a lot of fragility around online credibility,” he said, referring to a recent fake video that falsely claimed an attack in Abuja.

He placed responsibility on the media to correct misinformation and promote local digital identity.

“Nobody is going to tell your story like you,” he said.

Onasanya stressed that the issue is not perception alone but structural economic leakage, explaining that foreign domain use results in capital flight as payments leave the country in foreign currency.

“Every foreign domain is a capital flight,” she said, noting that even small annual fees multiply into significant national losses when scaled across businesses.

Oladipo urged journalists to go beyond reporting startups and fintech, stressing that the domain system is the foundation those industries depend on.

“It’s akin to celebrating the house but ignoring the land,” he said.

He called on media professionals to act as educators, amplifiers and trust builders by explaining digital identity issues, promoting Nigerian platforms and calling out fraud.

He also urged organisations and individuals to adopt “.ng” domains for their platforms.

“For those who are not, switch to .ng,” he said.

Onasanya said policy intervention is critical to improving adoption, urging stronger government intervention through legislation, executive orders, and institutional enforcement.

She proposed that “.ng” should be mandatory for government communication, licensing, and procurement processes, and called for alignment with national identity systems such as the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC).

Without stronger policy backing, she warned, adoption would remain slow. “Adoption is not luck, it is not by chance, it is driven by policy,” she said.

Despite the gap, Oladipo said the situation is not beyond repair, noting that the digital economy already contributes more than 20% to Nigeria’s GDP and continues to grow.

“There are endless possibilities for us,” he said.

He ended by challenging the media to take the lead in changing perception and driving adoption.

“Will you lead or will you follow?” he asked.

The forum, scheduled for Thursday, June 11, 2026, at the Welcome Centre Hotels, Ikeja, Lagos, will bring together policymakers, tech innovators, and civil society under the theme: “Sustaining WSIS Vision with Multistakeholder Synergy in Nigeria.”

This year’s theme aligns with the recent UN General Assembly Resolution A/RES/80/173, which reaffirms the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) vision.

The 2026 NDSF aims to address the critical need for connecting all citizens, ensuring the affordability of digital technologies, and increasing investment in Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) to bridge the widening digital divide.

Speaking on the upcoming event, Ogbuefi Remmy Nweke, Group Executive Editor and Lead Consulting Strategist at ITREALMS Media, emphasized that the stability of Nigeria’s digital economy depends on collaborative security.

“Building an inclusive, open, and secure digital space remains paramount,” Nweke stated. “Beyond connectivity, we must ensure that our digital ecosystem protects children online and remains resilient against global threats. The 2026 NDSF serves as a catalyst for the multistakeholder synergy required to achieve these goals.”

Key Highlights of NDSF 2026:

Focus on Emerging Tech: In-depth discourse on IPv6 adoption, Domain Name System (DNS) security, and the evolution of Digital Public Infrastructure.

Child Online Protection: Strategies for creating a safer internet for the younger generation.

Strategic Collaboration: Continuing a long-standing partnership with the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), NITDA, and Association of Licensed Telecom Operators of Nigeria (ALTON).

Smart Infrastructure: Exploring how telecommunications and satellite technology can drive the “Smart Nigeria” agenda.

The forum will feature a keynote address titled “Sustaining the WSIS Vision via Telecoms: Driving Multistakeholder Synergy for Nigeria’s Future,” expected to be delivered by leadership from the nation’s top regulatory bodies.

Since its inception, NDSF, hosted by DigitalSENSE Africa (DSA), an ICANN-certified At-Large Structure; has been at the forefront of motivating public discourse on the business and technological benefits of advancing internet governance.

Members of the press, stakeholders in the ICT sector, and the general public are invited to join this milestone event to help shape the trajectory of Nigeria’s digital sovereignty.

The presentation and review of the book, “The Village Priest” by Ogbuefi Remmy Nweke, largely described as a powerful narrative explored the intersection of tradition and innovation in rural Igboland, received widespread acclaim, with its themes resonating deeply with the event’s focus on ‘Global Digital Compact: Opportunities for Multi-stakeholders in Nigeria.’

The highly anticipated review was delivered by Mr. ‘Gbenga Sesan, Executive Director of Paradigm Initiative (PIN), a renowned social entrepreneur and advocate for digital rights and inclusion in Africa.

Sesan lauded Nweke’s prose fiction for its insightful portrayal of “innovative technology adaptation transforming rural communities,” describing it as “a careful work of cultural documentation, offering not just a story but a chronicle—a record of transition that many rural and even urban African communities continue to live through.”

Sesan’s review highlighted the book’s central character, Ogboo AniEze, the revered chief priest of Ilimefo, whose life is dedicated to preserving his village’s customs. The narrative unfolds as “the village and its people, their traditional practices and strong cultural heritage at the crossroads!” with the arrival of GSM technology—a “strange and mysterious piece of technology” that initially challenges Ogboo AniEze’s traditional views.

The review detailed the chief priest’s journey of reconciliation, from initial fear of GSM eroding cultural heritage to a profound understanding that the technology “also offered opportunities for growth, development, and connection with the wider world.” This transformation leads to a new era of harmony in Ilimefo, where “tradition and modernity coexisted in balance.” The book beautifully illustrates how mobile phones become “a powerful tool for preserving the village’s cultural heritage” and how interfaith collaboration, particularly with Catholic priest Fada Ekie, fosters a “fusion of traditions” and a “new spiritual identity.”

“It teaches us, without preaching,” Sesan concluded, “that true innovation is not in abandoning our roots, but in strengthening them with new tools.”

This year’s Nigeria DigitalSENSE Forum, was presided over by Dr. Jimson Olufuye, former President of the Information Technology (Industry) Association of Nigeria and a member of the UN Secretary-General’s IGF Multistakeholder Advisory Group (MAG), served as a crucial platform for discussing the future of digital governance.

Olufuye also commended the author, Nweke for his perseverance in serving the ICT industry as well as endearing documentation of the sector.

For the Managing Director, Internet Exchange Point of Nigeria, Mr. Muhammed Rudman, the latest book by Nweke depicts the gift of in depth creativity and urged him on, despite the challenges the sectorial environment throws at industry players.

Organized by ITREALMS Media and hosted under DigitalSENSE Africa (DSA), an At-Large Structure certified by ICANN, the forum brought together key partners including the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Internet Exchange Point of Nigeria, Internet Society Nigeria chapter, Association of Licensed Telecoms Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), and ICANN.

The NDSF series, running since 2009, continues to “motivate public discourse and create awareness on the technological cum business benefits of rapidly advancing technologies capable of impacting on Internet Governance, Internet Protocol (IP) addresses and domain name industry, access and affordability,” while offering a vital platform for industry networking.

The event not only celebrated the literary achievement of Ogbuefi Remmy Nweke, a multiple award-winning journalist, but also reinforced the commitment of ICT stakeholders to fostering digital inclusion and innovation across Nigeria.

Yet, as billions connect and engage online, a crucial question arises: Does this digital landscape truly reflect the incredible diversity of languages, cultures, and communities that make up our world?

The answer, unfortunately, is not entirely. Especially for marginalised and underrepresented communities around the globe.

While the Internet has made remarkable impact by connecting people across geographical boundaries, the representation of linguistic and cultural diversity in the digital space remains uneven.

This disparity is particularly evident in the Domain Name System (DNS), the foundation of Internet navigation – where a lack of awareness of the possibilities of the DNS means it’s not being used to its full potential.

Yet, a digital world does exist where language is less of a barrier to accessing information, connecting with communities, or making your voice heard.

A digital world where:

• Indigenous communities in the Americas can establish dedicated online spaces using gTLDs in their native languages, preserving their cultural heritage for generations to come.
• Tech hubs in Southeast Asia and Latin America can brand themselves with gTLDs that resonate with their vibrant tech ecosystems, attracting investment and talent on a global scale.
• Specialised communities, from scientists and academics to artists and musicians, can create online hubs usings gTLDs that reflect their shared passions and areas of expertise. Think .eco for environmental organisations or .art for the art community.

This vision of a more inclusive and representative Internet is within our reach. The key to unlocking this opportunity lies in understanding the power of top-level domains, harnessing the transformative potential of new generic TLDs, and knowing that ICANN and its Applicant Support Program are making domain diversity attainable for more organisations.

Breaking down linguistic barriers: expanding the digital landscape

Most Internet users rely on a limited set of generic top-level domains (gTLDs) such as .com, .org, or .net – domains rooted in the English language and the Latin script.

While these domains have been pivotal in the Internet’s growth, their inherent limitations have become increasingly apparent.

This limited linguistic representation presents a barrier for billions worldwide who primarily communicate and engage online in languages other than English.

By 2024, there were more than 1,200 gTLDs. Today, the DNS supports domain names in multiple scripts as well as gTLDs longer than three characters. From the very first gTLDs in non-Latin characters –  شبكة (.network), москва (.moscow), and 慈善 (.charity) – to .accountant, .berlin and .photography, these new gTLDs represent brands, communities, and geographies. Examples of organisations already using these new gTLDs include Canon using .canon, Google using .google, and many cities using their name, such as .london, .rio or .tokyo.

Recognising the urgent need for a more inclusive and representative Internet, ICANN – the non-profit organisation responsible for coordinating the Internet’s addressing system – is implementing an initiative to expand the gTLD landscape.

ICANN has carried out three application rounds for new gTLDs: in 2000, 2004, and 2012. The 2012 round of new gTLD applications was the largest expansion of the DNS to-date, aimed at encouraging innovation, competition, and consumer choice in the Domain Name System.

Soon, a new application round will give organisations, brands, cities, and more, the opportunity to apply to operate gTLDs that align with their specific communities, languages, industries, or interests, shaping the online landscape to be more relevant and accessible to users worldwide.

Unlocking business opportunities: a new frontier online

New gTLDs offer a powerful tool for commerce and communication – whether that’s building a brand for a company, spotlighting a geographic region or city on the world stage, reflecting a societal issue or reaching new customers. Consider that:

• An entity operating a gTLD can provide its users and customers with an extra measure of confidence in its security and legitimacy, building trust in the organisation associated with the gTLD. This can be invaluable in today’s online environment.
• Cities across the globe have used geographical gTLDs to promote the unique lifestyle and culture of their metropolitan area and build an online community for its citizens – wherever they may be in the world.
• One of the biggest and oldest automotive manufacturers in the world, BMW, used a .brand gTLD first to commemorate its 100th anniversary and provide a look into its rich history. Today, BMW uses the gTLD to present an aspirational vision for the next hundred years.

The possibilities are vast. New gTLDs empower businesses to create memorable online identities, strengthen brand recognition, and build stronger connections with their target audiences.

A strategic opportunity for NGOs, IGOs and nonprofits

The expansion of gTLDs presents a unique and strategic opportunity for NGOs, IGOs and nonprofits worldwide.

It’s a chance to break free from the constraints of a DNS that can feel irrelevant to the communities they serve and embrace a digital identity that aligns with their values, mission, and audiences. Embracing new gTLDs offers:

• Enhanced visibility and recognition: a dedicated gTLD that aligns with your mission or target community instantly communicates your purpose and values to the world. It makes you stand out in search results, increasing your visibility among those you aim to reach.
• Deepened community engagement: connecting with communities in their native language fosters trust, understanding, and a stronger sense of belonging. A gTLD in a local language or script demonstrates commitment to inclusivity and makes content more relevant and engaging.
• Increased brand awareness and credibility: a unique and memorable gTLD strengthens brand identity, making your organisation easily recognisable and memorable. It reinforces legitimacy and professionalism within your field.
• Expanded global reach: Internationalised Domain Names (IDNs) allow organisations to connect with communities beyond geographical boundaries, tapping into diasporas and fostering international collaborations. They facilitate cross-cultural dialogue and understanding.
• Empowered storytelling: a dedicated gTLD can provide a platform for underrepresented communities to share their stories, preserve their cultural heritage, and advocate for their rights on a global stage. It empowers them to control their narratives and reach a wider audience.

Breaking down barriers: the Applicant Support Program

The upcoming round of new gTLDs represents a crucial opportunity to foster diversity and increase accessibility in the digital landscape.

However, we recognise that the process of applying for and managing a new gTLD is resource-intensive, potentially creating barriers for some communities and organisations.

To address this challenge, ICANN is promoting accessibility and inclusivity through the Applicant Support Program (ASP).

The ASP is designed to empower underrepresented communities and organisations by providing financial and technical assistance throughout the gTLD application process.

This includes:

• Financial support: Eligible entities s can benefit from significant discounts on application fees, making it more financially feasible to apply for a new gTLD.
• Expert guidance and resources: The ASP provides access to technical experts who can guide NGOs through each stage of the application, ensuring a smooth and successful experience.

Nonprofits, nongovernmental, and charitable organisations; intergovernmental organisations; indigenous and tribal peoples’ organisations; and small businesses that operate as social enterprises or which operate in a less-developed economy are eligible for support.

Claiming your place in a more inclusive digital world

The expansion of gTLDs is a call to action for organisations worldwide to reimagine their online presence, contribute to, and benefit from a more representative and inclusive Internet.

Ask yourself: What community, language, or industry do you represent? What unique value would a dedicated gTLD bring?

How could you leverage this opportunity to benefit your community, enhance your business, or advance your cause?

Take the first step:

• Interested in applying to operate a new gTLD? Visit the website to learn more about the application process and eligibility criteria.
• Want to find out more about the Applicant Support Program? Take a look at the Applicant Support Program page for more information.

The New gTLD Program: Next Round is an initiative that will enable the introduction of new gTLDs (including those longer than three characters and in non-Latin scripts) into the Internet’s domain name space.

It will be the first opportunity since 2012 to secure a gTLD, and the ASP makes it possible for lesser-resourced organizations to benefit from this transformation in their presence online.

Top-level domains are the part of an Internet address that comes after the dot. For example, in the domain name icann.org, the characters ‘org’ identify the TLD and help to classify the purpose of the domain name.

The Internet started with just a handful of TLDs, such as .com, .net., .org and others. As it has evolved, the number of generic TLDs in the DNS has increased to reflect the multidimensionality of its billions of users and to help classify and communicate the purpose of a domain name.

ICANN appreciates that applying to operate a gTLD can be expensive and out of reach for many organizations.

The ASP is intended to make the processes and fees involved in applying for a new gTLD more accessible to entities that may want to operate a gTLD but are unable because of financial and other resource constraints.

Supported applicants will be eligible to receive access to pro bono service providers, training, and other resources, and a 75-85% reduction in gTLD evaluation fees.

“The New gTLD Program: Next Round will give businesses, communities, and others the opportunity to apply for new top-level domains tailored to their community, culture, language, business, and customers. The program reinforces ICANN’s commitment to encourage innovation, competition, and consumer choice in the domain industry,” said Pierre Dandjinou, vice president, ICANN, Africa. “The ASP supports that commitment by paving the way for more entrepreneurs, small businesses, governments, and communities around the world to apply to operate a generic top-level domain of their own choosing.”

To be eligible for the program, applicants must meet financial need and financial viability criteria, and fall into at least one of the following entity categories:

• Nonprofits, charities, or equivalent
• Intergovernmental organizations (IGOs)
• Indigenous/tribal peoples’ organizations
• Social impact or public benefit micro or small businesses
• Micro or small businesses from a less-developed economy

More information on evaluation and eligibility criteria are described in Section 4: Applicant Eligibility and Evaluation Categories, of the ASP Handbook.

ASP applicants will be evaluated on an ongoing basis. The first applicants to apply and qualify for support will the first to take advantage of the available resources.

The application window will remain open for 12 months. Applicants are encouraged to apply early.

Quick look:

• African country code Top-level Domains record 4.33million registrations + 1.4 million generic top level domain registrations from African entities
• The projected average annual overall growth in the number of domain names across the continent is 12.4%
• Over 1.1 million kilometres of terrestrial and submarine fibre cables interconnect the continent
• Average African spends about 4% of their monthly income on 1GB of data – twice the global affordability target

In the latest study commissioned by the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) in collaboration with PowerSoft Africa, Nigeria moved up to second place in the Africa Domain Name Industry.

Similarly, African country code Top-level Domains report shows 4.33million registrations as at November 2023 and additional 1.4 million generic top level domain registrations from African entities.

Covering 54 countries in Africa, the ICANN report released by the Coalition for Digital Africa at ICANN80 in Kigali, Rwanda, shows that high Internet access costs continue to limit widespread usage, with the average African spending about 4% of their monthly income on 1GB of data – twice the global affordability target.

Also, the projected average annual overall growth in the number of domain names across the continent is 12.4%, suggesting significant opportunities for local providers in individual country.

On infrastructure, the report indicates Over 1.1 million kilometres of terrestrial and submarine fiber cables interconnect the continent, enhancing cross-border communications and internet access, and a significant concentration of web content and domain hosting remains within only a few countries, underscoring the need for more localized Internet service.

For Nigeria, the report shows that “as with South Africa and Kenya, Nigeria has multiple undersea cables. The ccTLD is well run as there are now six IXPs and multiple Data Centres.

“Nigeria’s biggest advantage is its huge population and large economy. Nigeria has the highest number of Internet users on the continent. Coming in just after Kenya on the number of ccTLD domains but ahead on gTLD domains, Nigeria also has a high score from its six IXPs.

Speaking at the unveiling of the report, Sally Costerton, ICANN’s Interim President & CEO, said that report that sheds light on the growth, challenges, and opportunities within the Domain Name System (DNS) across Africa.

“Building on the initial study conducted in 2016, this study provides critical insights into how the landscape has evolved and where it is headed.

The study is an integral part of ICANN’s commitment to support the growth and development of the Internet’s infrastructure, namely the DNS infrastructure, in a highly dynamic region.

It was also created in response to a request from the African community within the context of the implementation of the ICANN Africa Regional Plan for Fiscal Years 2021-2025”.

She said that the recommendations focus on key areas such as infrastructure development, regulatory adjustments, and capacity building, which are crucial for harnessing the full potential of the DNS industry in Africa.

According to recent NiRA report, the .ng domain name, Nigeria’s Internet country code top-level domain (ccTLD), has crossed 215,000 registrations.

Commenting on the report, Mr. Adesola Akinsanya, President of the Nigeria Internet Registration Association (NiRA), expressed delight on Nigeria’s domain name growth trajectory.

According to him, the report is a reflection of NiRA and other stakeholders’ efforts, particularly, the registrars, towards deepening the country’s DNS industry.

In his words, “the study that was done regarding the DNS industry in Africa and I am privy to the first edition in which Nigeria was not even in the top three. Today, we are number two in Africa. It shows that the efforts of NiRA, both past and present EBoD and the secretariat staff, alongside the registrars, our efforts are making impacts.

“The study also shows the commitment of the registry in making sure that the best practices in the DNS industry are followed.

“Secondly, this is a continental rating; we are not the ones praising ourselves. The message we (NiRA) has for the DNS community in Nigeria is that we do not have any other country. So, .NG is our collective passport in the digital space. From businesses, web developer community, registrars, businesses and individuals adopting .NG, we salute your efforts. We can do more, because we are not the first yet. There are lots of grounds to cover. So, let’s push for more adoption of the .NG while we tackle all necessary challenges on the way”, Akinsanya said.

Murtala Abdullahi, the CEO of Smartweb Nigeria Limited, one of the NiRA registrars, said the report shows increased acceptability of the .NG brand.

He added that the country is privileged to have huge population with a lot of individuals and businesses showing interest in the .NG domain name.

“Two years back, we have people adopting more of .com.ng, but today they are converting to .NG. We register more of the .ng than even the .com.

“So, people are now beginning to understand the value of the .ng in terms of the optimization, SEO and other things.

“And another factor is the exchange rate. So, it helps to boost the adoption of .ng, because in terms of price competitiveness, .com is around N20,000 while .ng is below N15,000.

On his part, Sir Remmy Nweke, the Lead Consulting Strategist, DigitalSENSE Africa Media, and a leading voice in .NG advocacies, said he was glad that efforts of both NiRA BOT and the EBoD is paying-off, stressing the need for more vanguards for the .NG adoption in the country.

He said, “I’m excited in the sense that despite that, we’re not there yet, we’re making steady progress. So, it is a way of encouragement that the study came out positively for us. And I’m sure we will continue to collaborate to make sure that whatever is being done is on progressive line to make sure that even if it is next year, or in the next few years that we’re going to conduct this exercise again, there must be improvements on our internet adoption, local hosting and other variables.

“In general, .ng is our brand. So, every Nigerian is expected to buy into this dream. Get at least one domain for yourself. And then when you use it, always make time to share the stories of how you are using it. If you have issues, please report back to us (NiRA) so that it will be resolved”.

According to the report, Google indexes a total of 44.3 million web pages under the .NG domain, significantly up from 16 million, in the year under review.

The study’s goals are to highlight the strengths and opportunities for Africa’s DNS industry, and establish a Trial Observatory for ongoing monitoring of its status and growth.

BREAKING: Nigeria Domain Names [.NG] Registration Surpass 225,000

Techeconomy brings to you key highlights of the report as shared by Coalition for Digital Africa at ICANN80 in Kigali, Rwanda.

1. DNS Growth in Africa

The projected average annual overall growth in the number of domain names across the continent is 12.4%, suggesting significant opportunities for local providers in individual country.

2. Extensive Infrastructure Growth

Over 1.1 million kilometres of terrestrial and submarine fiber cables interconnect the continent, enhancing cross-border communications and internet access.

3. Digital Divide Challenges

Despite infrastructure growth, high Internet access costs continue to limit widespread usage, with the average African spending about 4% of their monthly income on 1GB of data – twice the global affordability target.

4. Domain Name Registration

As of November 2023, there are over 4.33 million domains registered under the African country code top-level domains (ccTLDs) with an additional 1.4 million generic top level domain registrations from African entities.

5. Local Hosting and Content Disparities

A significant concentration of web content and domain hosting remains within only a few countries, underscoring the need for more localized Internet service.

Excerpts:

Nigeria

According to the study, Nigeria moved up to 2nd place and is now two points ahead of Kenya. As with South Africa and Kenya, Nigeria has multiple undersea cables.

The ccTLD is well run, there are now six IXPs and multiple Data Centres. Nigeria’s biggest advantage is its huge population and large economy.

It is, however, heavily reliant on oil revenue, which has taken a battering. Recently its dependence on oil almost crippled the economy in 2020, as the pandemic highlighted the losses to the Federal government’s revenue.

Coming in just after Kenya on the number of ccTLD domains but ahead on gTLD domains, Nigeria also has a high score from its six IXPs.

Despite having good Data Centres, 98% of the websites identified were hosted overseas.

In fact, of the top 6 web hosting companies, only one has a .NG domain name, and all of them host their own websites in the USA or in South Africa.

The latter may be a function of Nigeria’s large population size, or perhaps is driven by avoiding the stigma of the .NG domain and its association with “419” scams.

Google indexes a total of 44.3 million web pages under the .NG domain, significantly up from 16 million

The Nigerian economy has recovered from the COVID-19 pandemic and has gradually seen an increase in nonoil revenue especially from the ICT sector, which contributed almost 16% in 2022.

Nigeria has the highest number of Internet users on the continent.

Meanwhile, the outcomes will help inform the Coalition for Digital Africa of future growth opportunities and development, both locally and regionally, in line with the Coalition’s guiding principles.

Lindqvist is an industry leader who brings more than 30 years of experience in the business development of Internet Service Providers and worldwide network carriers, and deep experience in the ICANN community.

Lindqvist will officially assume the role on December 5, 2024.

“I am delighted to welcome Kurtis to ICANN,” said Tripti Sinha, chair of the ICANN Board of Directors. “He is a well-respected, transformational leader who will propel ICANN into the future by evolving the organization, building even stronger partnerships within our industry, and championing ICANN’s critical role in the multistakeholder model of Internet governance on the global stage.”

Lindqvist has served as CEO of the London Internet Exchange (LINX) since 2019. His impressive track record includes serving as CEO of Netnod and advising governments on Internet governance, data retention and broadband policy.

Lindqvist has been an active member of the Internet community for more than 20 years, serving on the Internet Architecture Board and as working group chair in RIPE and the Internet Engineering Task Force.

“Kurtis’ vision, values and commitment to preserving a single, globally interoperable Internet align extraordinarily well with ICANN’s goals and strategic plans,” Sinha continued. “His extensive industry experience, as well as his exceptional leadership, political and technical skills will enable him to successfully collaborate with the staff, Board and ICANN community to fulfil ICANN’s mission.”

“I am thrilled to join ICANN at this pivotal time,” said Lindqvist. “From the open architecture to the multistakeholder governance model, the Internet has enabled innovation and transformation of entire industries. Protecting and evolving this is something I care deeply about. ICANN, as part of the ecosystem, is at the core of the success of this model, together with the technologies that enable it. I look forward to working with staff and the Board to deliver on ICANN’s mission.”

Sally Costerton will continue to serve as Interim President and CEO until Lindqvist takes over in December. “Sally has provided leadership and continuity when we needed it most and ensured that we continued to deliver on our strategic initiatives,” said Sinha “We are grateful to Sally and look forward to her continued contributions.”

Lindqvist’s’ appointment concludes an extensive process that began with the establishment of a CEO Search Committee.

The Committee conducted a global search resulting in a diverse and rich pool of 100 candidates representing more than 20 countries across North and South America, Africa, Europe, Asia, and Australasia.

From this pool, 15 individuals were identified as part of a long list (four women and 11 men). Further evaluation resulted in a short list of seven individuals (three women and four men) who were interviewed by the CEO Search Committee.

The Committee then narrowed the candidates to three finalists, two of whom the full Board interviewed. The Board unanimously selected Lindqvist during its meeting on June 8, 2024.

Sinha expressed her appreciation to the entire CEO Search Committee for their diligence and dedication, and to Committee Chair, Chris Chapman, for his leadership through the extensive and thorough search process that included unprecedented communitywide and stakeholder listening sessions prior to launching the search.

Lindqvist will continue to serve in his position at LINX until a successor is selected. When he assumes his new position on December 5, he will work closely with the Board and ICANN’s executive team to ensure a smooth leadership transition.

Lindqvist will be based in ICANN’s Geneva, Switzerland office and will spend significant time in ICANN’s Los Angeles, California headquarters.