In the wake of the growing importance of internet governance issues, AFRINIC found it useful to enlarge its contact base in order to better fulfill its objectives as a Regional Internet Registry and in the furtherance of its unique mandate it is centrally concerned with the development and use of the Internet in Africa. The AFRINIC Government Working Group (AfGWG) was set up at the initiative of AFRINIC to work with African governments and regulators to address general internet governance challenges in Africa.

AFRINIC as part of its policy on inclusion operates an open and transparent process for all stakeholders. Governments as a major part of this stakeholder grouping have increasingly shown a growing interest in playing an even more active and contributive role.

The African Government Working Group (AfGWG) was set up at the initiative of AFRINIC “with the aim of strengthening the collaboration between AFRINIC and African Governments and Regulators in order to create a dynamic framework to address general Internet Governance challenges faced within the region and specifically those related to Internet Number Resources.”

The first meeting launched the AfGWG in 2010 in Ebene, Mauritius, subsequently, five more meetings have been held back to back with AFRINIC public policy meetings:

Kigali, Rwanda – June 2010

Johannesburg, South Africa – November 2010

Dar es Salaam, Tanzania – June 2011

Yaoundé, Cameroon – November 2011

Serekunda, The Gambia – May 2012

Lusaka, Zambia - June 2013

The next meeting of the AfGWG is scheduled for November 2013 during AFRINIC-19 Meeting  in  Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.

Objectives of the Working Group:

To strengthen the collaboration between AFRINIC and African Governments and Regulators to promote sustainable and secure Internet development in Africa

To address collaboratively the general Internet governance challenges faced within the region, particularly those related to Internet number resources. 

AfGWG Focal Points:

Some 30 countries have designated AfGWG focal points. The network of focal points will serve as the main communication channel for the exchange of views and best practices.