The AfriNIC whois database is made up of various types of "objects". An object that contains contact information about a person is called a person object, and is identified by a "nic-handle", or usually abbreviated as "nic-hdl". Once asked for an abuse or technical contact, simply submit a "nic-handle" that has been created in the AfriNIC whois database. To have a detailed information on the person object, click here

Creating a Person Object

To create a person object, follow the following procedure:

1. Complete the returned person object template from your favourite text editor, say - Notepad in Windows, or emacs in Linux, or simply, copy and paste the object to your email program. The following is an example of a completed object:

   person:         J K G Wambui
   address:       P O Box 8976987
                       Sloane Street
                       Mauritius
   phone:          +26576554567876
   fax-no:         +26576554567876
   e-mail:          
    This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
    
   nic-hdl:         AUTO-1
   notify:          
    This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
    
   changed:      
    This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
    
   source:        AFRINIC

   Some lines have been deleted from the original template, such as "mnt-by", "org", etc... They add extra protection to the above object. Please refer to our database reference documents if you would like to create extra protection to your information.

2. Copy the above object to your email client, and send to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Make sure that the subject of the email is empty, and that no other text is in the body of the email. Disable any signatures, and make sure that your email client has been set to compose and send email in plain text.

3. If the object is successfully created, you will receive a success message with your new "nic-hdl". If it failed, you will also receive a "FAILED" message with a detailed error report including a reason for failure. Please ammend and try again. 

4. You can now use the new nic-hdl as a technical, administrative or abuse contact. You can create as many nic-handles as you wish for the different types of contacts.

5. Should you encounter further difficulty, please contact: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Further documentation

• The AfriNIC Objects Types Information
• The AfriNIC Database Reference Manual
• The AfriNIC Database User Guide