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From a pool of more than 1,700 ambitious applicants representing every corner of Africa and beyond, five outstanding individuals have emerged as the newest members of the AFRINIC-37 Fellowship Programme. Their journey now leads them to Nairobi, Kenya, where they will join Internet leaders, policymakers, network operators, and technical experts from across the continent at AFRINIC-37 that takes place during the Africa Internet Summit 2026 (AIS'26). Selected through a rigorous and highly competitive process, these fellows represent the passion, talent, and innovation driving Africa's digital future, and we are delighted to welcome them to the AFRINIC community.

 

We are delighted to introduce the AFRINIC-37 Fellows:

  • Abraham Nyuon – South Sudan
  • Musa Bangura – Sierra Leone
  • Lucrèce Itanganeza – Burundi
  • Noha Abdel Baky – Egypt
  • Serge-Parfait Goma – Republic of the Congo (Mentor).


The AFRINIC Fellowship Programme aims to develop a network of AFRINIC ambassadors across the African region by empowering emerging Internet leaders and professionals to actively engage in Internet governance, policy development, and technical discussions. Through participation in AFRINIC meetings, the fellows gain firsthand experience of the multistakeholder model, build valuable networks with Internet experts and decision-makers from around the world, enhance their knowledge through workshops and presentations, and become part of the AFRINIC Fellowship Alumni Network, a growing community committed to advancing the development, resilience, and growth of the Internet across Africa.

 

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to the selected fellows and look forward to welcoming them to Nairobi for an enriching week of learning, collaboration, and engagement at AFRINIC-37 and AIS’26. We are confident that their participation will contribute meaningfully to the discussions and strengthen the future of the African Internet ecosystem.

 

To the many individuals who applied, thank you for your interest and enthusiasm. The exceptional quality and diversity of applications received this year are a testament to the growing passion for Internet development, innovation, and digital transformation across Africa. While not everyone could be selected, we encourage all applicants to remain involved in AFRINIC's activities and to take advantage of future opportunities to engage with the community.

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In Memoriam of Alan Barrett

former CEO of AFRINIC, one of its founders and among the pioneers of the African Internet

Alan Barrett attending the Africa Internet Summit in Uganda.

It is with profound sadness and deep emotion that AFRINIC has learned of the passing of Alan Barrett, former Chief Executive Officer of AFRINIC, this Thursday, 28 May 2026, in Cape Town, South Africa.

Today, the African Internet community mourns not only a remarkable Internet pioneer but also one of the architects of Africa’s digital future. Through his vision, wisdom, humility, and lifelong dedication, Alan helped shape the growth, stability, governance, and global recognition of the Internet in Africa and beyond.

 

The Pioneer & Founder

 

Alan Barrett was a distinguished South African Internet engineer and a respected global Internet governance leader. His contributions date back to the earliest years of Internet connectivity on the continent. He was among the engineers involved in establishing the first Internet connection for South South African universities in the early 1990s, and in 1993, he co-founded South Africa’s first commercial Internet Service Provider, then known as TICSA and later as Internet Africa and UUNET South Africa.

For AFRINIC, Alan was far more than one of our past Chief Executive Officers. He was one of the founding minds behind the very idea of creating an African Regional Internet Registry. In 1997, he co-authored the historic proposal that led to the creation of AFRINIC and served on the steering committee entrusted with turning that vision into reality. Alan served as one of the AFRINIC PDWG Co-Chairs, playing an important role in facilitating and guiding policy discussions within the AFRINIC community.

His commitment to AFRINIC continued through every stage of the organisation’s development. He served on AFRINIC’s first Board from 2001 to 2009, helping guide the institution during its formative years. He also represented AFRINIC and the African Internet numbers community through the Number Resource Organisation Number Council, later the ASO Address Council, from 2004 to 2014, contributing to the coordination and stewardship of Internet number resources worldwide.

A Visionary Leader

 
 

In April 2015, Alan was appointed Chief Executive Officer of AFRINIC, a position he held until 2019. During his tenure, he championed openness, transparency, accountability, inclusive multistakeholder participation, and community-driven policy development. His leadership reflected integrity, calm determination, technical excellence, and an unwavering commitment to serving the public interest.

Beyond AFRINIC, Alan remained an influential and respected figure in the global Internet ecosystem. He played an important role in the IANA Stewardship Transition Coordination Group. In 2021, he was appointed as a member of the ICANN Board, a position he held until his passing.

Alan’s legacy transcends institutions, building networks and titles. His contributions are woven into the history of AFRINIC, into the development of Africa and the global Internet infrastructure, and into our staff who have worked under his leadership and know the person he was behind the public figure. Beyond his exceptional professional accomplishments, many across the African and international Internet community, and AFRINIC will remember Alan for his humility, generosity, quiet wisdom, kindness, and willingness to mentor and support others. He was a thoughtful listener, a trusted colleague, someone who would not hesitate to put his hands in the cables and get the work done with the team. He inspired generations of engineers, policymakers, and community leaders through both his expertise and his humanity.

“

Africa has lost one of its Internet pioneers. The global Internet community has lost a respected steward. AFRINIC has lost one of its builders.

On behalf of the AFRINIC Board, Management, Staff, Members, and the wider African Internet community, AFRINIC extends its deepest condolences to Kerry, the Barrett family, Alan’s loved ones, friends, colleagues, and all those around the world who had the privilege of working alongside him.

Alan Barrett leaves behind a lasting legacy that will not be forgotten. May his soul rest in peace, and may his work continue to inspire future generations committed to building a stronger, more inclusive, and more resilient Internet for Africa and the world.

 
Prof Emmanuel Adewale Adedokun
Chairman
AFRINIC Board of Directors

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