2024 Updates from ICANN

Happy New Year!

A few updates from ICANN that may be of interest this year.

*1. Africa DNS Study and Webinar *-

First, some listers may remember in 2016 ICANN initiated an in-depth study of
the DNS ecosystem in Africa and members of this list as part of the larger
community were key to the research output and its publication.

Now in 2023 as part of the Coalition for Digital Africa (
coalitionfordigitalafrica.africa/), our team and partners were keen
to assess the evolving DNS market and economic trends in Africa that
describes and quantifies the overall potential of the domain name industry
in the region.

Our consultant has prepared a draft report and we would love to have the
community’s and your input on the draft final report of the 2023 Africa
Domain Name Industry Study here (
www.icann.org/en/public-comment/proceeding/draft-final-report-of-the-2023-africa-domain-name-industry-study-21-12-2023
)
The report is currently open for public comment to the 08 February 2024
when it will be closed for submissions.

Linked to this, on Tuesday 23 January 2024 14:00 – 15:30 UTC (5 – 6.30
Nairobi time) (90 minutes) we will host a webinar on the report to feature
a comprehensive agenda that delves into key aspects of the Africa Domain
Name Industry Study, including an in-depth presentation of the draft final
report. You can register here
icann.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_xC4Sue1lR0-WW6KRa0VsxQ#/registration

It’s a great opportunity to learn, appreciate and contribute to the DNS
ecosystem in Africa.

Secondly, *the Registration Data Request Service (RDRS)* was launched in
November 2023 to handle requests for access to nonpublic registration data
related to generic top-level domains (gTLD)s. The system connects
requestors seeking disclosure of nonpublic registration data with the
relevant ICANN-accredited registrars for gTLD domain names who are
participating in the service. To share more information on this we are
hosting a webinar for you to learn how to access the platform if you have a
legitimate interest and request on Thursday, 25 January 2024 at 15:00 UTC
(6 pm Nairobi time) for 60 minutes
Register for the session here
icann.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_k8UpjvF6Re-0gBIjO-HjsA#/registration

Thirdly, *ICANN is back to Africa!* ICANN 80 will be hosted in the EAC, in
Kigali, Rwanda and that means the NextGen program is now open to university
students 18-30 in the Africa region. Those selected will receive a grant to
cover travel expenses & a stipend to attend #ICANN80. You get a chance to
learn, network, & engage with Internet governance leaders in #ICANN’s
NextGen program. Find out more and apply here: go.icann.org/3RRY6l3

Lastly, we introduced *the Grant Program *last week. The program will make
millions of dollars in funding available to develop projects that support
the growth of a single, open and globally interoperable Internet. ICANN is
opening an application cycle for the first $10 million in grants in March
2024. Read more on this here
www.icann.org/resources/press-material/release-2024-01-09-en

With that, on behalf of the Africa Engagement Center, have a fantastic year
ahead!

Kind Regards,
June Okal
LinkedIn Profile <ke.linkedin.com/in/juneokal>
www.juneokal.com