ICANN Urges Openness and Integrity in AFRINIC Board Elections

On June 6, 2025, ICANN made a public appeal advocating for greater transparency and fairness in AFRINIC’s upcoming board elections. The organization directed its concerns to the Mauritius court-appointed receiver overseeing AFRINIC, emphasizing the need for clear communication regarding recent organizational changes and member registrations.

AFRINIC, the Regional Internet Registry for Africa, has faced significant governance challenges, operating without a functioning board or CEO since 2022. The organization has been entangled in legal disputes, administrative complications, and internal leadership vacuum—jeopardizing its ability to uphold trust and procedural integrity within the African internet community.

Controversy Surrounding Cloud Innovation’s Membership

One of the core issues ICANN raised involves the sudden recognition of Cloud Innovation as a member by the Mauritius Corporate and Business Registration Department on April 4, 2025. This move took place outside of AFRINIC’s established procedures and has raised concerns among the internet governance community.

What’s unusual is that Cloud Innovation was granted membership when no other company had been allowed in under similar circumstances for years. ICANN has questioned why Cloud Innovation received special treatment while hundreds of existing members were excluded from governance processes. According to Cloud Innovation’s CEO, the registration was merely an administrative necessity tied to ongoing legal matters—not a deliberate attempt to influence the organization’s direction.

Conflicts Within the Nomination Committee

ICANN also expressed concern about the composition of AFRINIC’s Nomination Committee. Two individuals appointed to the committee had previously supported the recognition of Cloud Innovation, raising potential conflict-of-interest concerns. These appointments were made by the Mauritius court receiver on April 21, alongside legal representatives from the United Kingdom.

Given the committee’s role in vetting board candidates, ICANN is calling for these individuals to step down to preserve the legitimacy of the electoral process. With electronic voting scheduled from June 16 to June 23 and an in-person vote planned for June 23 in Mauritius, changes to the committee must be implemented immediately to maintain election integrity.

ICANN's Position: Restoring Legitimacy to AFRINIC’s Elections

In its statement, ICANN called for three critical actions: a transparent explanation of Cloud Innovation’s registration, a reformation of the Nomination Committee to eliminate potential bias, and the publication of concrete steps to ensure a fair and credible election.

AFRINIC had set its board election timeline with candidate nominations running from May 12 to May 26, 2025, and the deadline for electronic voting registration closing on June 5. However, the requirement for notarized documentation—costing between R 700 and R 1,500—has been criticized as a potential barrier to participation, particularly for smaller or under-resourced members.

The Broader Significance: Governance at a Critical Crossroads

ICANN, while not in a position to enforce change directly, has made it clear that AFRINIC’s governance crisis has global implications. As Africa’s only Regional Internet Registry, AFRINIC plays a crucial role in allocating IP address resources across the continent. Disruptions or lapses in credibility at this level can affect broader internet stability and stakeholder trust.

The core of ICANN’s message is that governance recovery must begin with trust, inclusiveness, and procedural transparency. The steps taken—or not taken—before the June 23 board election may determine AFRINIC’s ability to reestablish itself as a reliable and accountable institution within the global internet infrastructure.