October 2025 - AFRI-Discuss

Call for Volunteers: AFRALO UA Day 2026 Proposal Team
by Mutegeki Cliff Nov. 11, 2025

Nov. 11, 2025

*Dear AFRALO Community,* I hope this message finds you well. ICANN has opened the call for proposals for UA Day 2026, with events scheduled to take place between 25 March and 30 May 2026. This presents a wonderful opportunity for AFRALO to once again take a leading role in advancing Universal Acceptance (UA) and digital inclusion across our region. I would therefore like to form a small team to develop and submit an AFRALO-led proposal for UA Day 2026. The team will work collaboratively to design an engaging, impactful event concept that highlights Africa’s contributions to promoting a multilingual and inclusive Internet. If you are interested on being a part of this team, please add your name to the team section of this UA Day 2026 Event Tracker. : https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1kBV6PTTYqAjVj4kv49dLevpWr_ItUkM4Fix… Here is a link to the working Folder: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1KoRPp32wyFttH8hgkCaLbgltsH8brrEP?us… Mutegeki Cliff Agaba Digital Transformation Consultant Internet Society MidCareer Fellow, Member Internet Society, AFRALO, ICANN, UASG and IGF - WGWSP +256 701 800 679 +256 776 800 679 www.mutegekicliff.com [image: facebook icon] <http://www.facebook.com/mutegekicliffagaba> [image: linkedin icon] <https://www.linkedin.com/in/mutegekicliff/> [image: instagram icon] <http://www.instagram.com/mutegekicliff>

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Invitation - DUBLIN ICANN84 Africa Space
by Yaovi Atohoun Oct. 28, 2025

Oct. 28, 2025

Dear all – Bonjour à tous EN: You are kindly invited to join us on site or remotely for the Africa Space session scheduled for 29 October 2025. More information about the session at https://icann84.sched.com/event/29QNw/africa-space Wednesday October 29, 2025 10:30 - 12:00GMT Liffey B - Level 1 (ccNSO)<https://icann84.sched.com/venue/Liffey+B+-+Level+1+%28ccNSO%29> FR : Vous êtes cordialement invités pour la session Africa Space à Dublin ou en ligne prévue pour le mercredi 29 Octobre 2025. Wednesday October 29, 2025 10:30 - 12:00GMT Liffey B - Level 1 (ccNSO)<https://icann84.sched.com/venue/Liffey+B+-+Level+1+%28ccNSO%29> Session agenda: 10:30 – 10:45 Welcome remarks / Mots de bienvenue (15 minutes) · Pierre Dandjinou I VP, Stakeholder Engagement – Africa, ICANN · Catherine Adeya I ICANN Board member · Alan Barrett I ICANN Board Member · Sally Costerton I Sr. Advisor to President & SVP, Global Stakeholder Engagement, ICANN 10:45 – 11:15 Five-year Implementation Plan report for FY2021-FY2025 - Rapport de mise en œuvre du plan quinquennal FY2021-FY2025 ; Pierre Dandjinou (30 minutes) 11:15 – 11:45 Questions/Answers – Questions/Réponses (30 minutes) 11:45 -12:00 Announcements, closing remarks – Annonces, Mots de fin Pierre Dandjinou/Yaovi Atohoun (15 minutes) 12:00 End of the session – Fin de la session Thanks - Merci -- Yaovi Atohoun Director Stakeholder Engagement & Operations for Africa – ICANN www.icann.org<http://www.icann.org> -- Yaovi Atohoun Director Stakeholder Engagement & Operations for Africa – ICANN www.icann.org

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Reminder TODAY 15h00 UTC - Joint AFRALO-AfrICANN Meeting
by ICANN At-Large Staff Oct. 27, 2025

Oct. 27, 2025

Dear All, Please join us for the Joint AFRALO-AfrICANN Meeting from 15h00-16h00 in Forum 2, At-Large Room, Ground Floor Details: https://icann84.sched.com/event/29QJj/joint-afralo-africann-session Looking forward to seeing many later, either in person or online! Thank you. Kind regards, ******************************************** Chers Tous, Venez ous rejoinder pour la session AFRALO-AfrICANN de 15h00 à 16h00 dans la salle At-Large, Forum 2 au Rez-de-Chausee. Information: https://icann84.sched.com/event/29QJj/joint-afralo-africann-session Au plaisir de vous acceuillir en personne ou virtuellement! Cordialement, Thank you. Kind regards, At-Large Staff ICANN Policy Staff in support of the At-Large Community www.icann.org<http://www.icann.org>

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ALAC Appointees' Selection Sub-Committee
by Tijani BEN JEMAA Oct. 27, 2025

Oct. 27, 2025

Dear Hadia and all, I see that the RALO's representatives for the 2026 ALAC Appointees' Selection Sub-Committee are not yet appointed. I volunteer to be the AFRALO representative. Best regards. Tijani -- Tijani BEN JEMAA Executive Director Mediterranean Federation of Internet Associations (FMAI) Telephone: +216 52 385 114

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Announcement of ALAC Appointed-NextGen Mentor ICANN5-87
by Heidi Ullrich Oct. 27, 2025

Oct. 27, 2025

Dear All, On behalf of Jonathan Zuck, Chair of the ALAC, this is to announce that Alfredo Calderon has been selected to be the ALAC Appointed-NextGen Mentor between ICANN85-87. The selection process consisted of the members of the ALAC Appointee Selection Committee (AASC) reviewing and ranking 14 candidate Expression of Interest (EOI) documents for the position of NextGen Mentor. The AASC sent the name of their selected candidate to the ALAC on 16 October 2025. The ALAC held a Consensus call ending on Monday, 20 October 2025. Please note that until such time as an ALAC Appointee Metrics framework is adopted by the ALAC, the ALAC Appointed-NextGen Mentor will be requested by the ALAC Leadership to participate in selected ALAC/At-Large activities. He/She may also be requested to provide periodic reports on his/her mentorship work. Such reports may be verbal or in written form, and notice will be given to the ALAC Appointee on the timing of such reports. Congratulations to Alfredo. Many thanks to all the candidates that applied for the position of ALAC Appointed-NextGen Mentor. Kind regards, At-Large Staff At-Large Staff ICANN Policy Staff in support of the At-Large Community Website: atlarge.icann.org<https://atlarge.icann.org/>

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ICANN Issues Call for UA Day 2026 Proposals
by Yaovi Atohoun Oct. 21, 2025

Oct. 21, 2025

Hello everyone – Bonjour à tous EN: The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) today launched a call for proposals for UA Day 2026 events to be held between 25 March and 30 May 2026. Building on its partnership with ICANN to advance Internet inclusivity, multilingualism, and equitable access online, UNESCO is supporting this fourth annual series of events that focus on the adoption of Universal Acceptance (UA). The deadline to submit<https://www.icann.org/ua-day-call-for-proposals-2026-en> a proposal is 9 November 2025. Please more detail here<https://www.icann.org/en/announcements/details/icann-issues-call-for-ua-day…> FR : La Société pour l’attribution des noms de domaine et des numéros sur Internet (ICANN) a lancé aujourd’hui un appel à propositions d’événements pour la Journée de l’UA 2026, qui se tiendra entre le 25 mars et le 30 mai 2026. Dans le cadre du partenariat établi avec l’ICANN pour promouvoir l’inclusion, le multilinguisme et l’accès équitable sur Internet, l’UNESCO soutient cette quatrième série annuelle d’événements centrés sur l’adoption de l’acceptation universelle (UA). La date limite pour la soumission<https://www.icann.org/ua-day-call-for-proposals-2026-en> de propositions est le 9 novembre 2025. Plus d’information ici<https://www.icann.org/en/announcements/details/icann-issues-call-for-ua-day…> Thanks - Merci -- Yaovi Atohoun Director Stakeholder Engagement & Operations for Africa – ICANN www.icann.org

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Call for Expressions of Interest – ICANN Board Seat 15 (2025–2026 Cycle)
by Heidi Ullrich Oct. 17, 2025

Oct. 17, 2025

** La version francaise est en dessous de la version anglaise. ** ** La versión en español está debajo de la versión en francés.** ** Dear At-Large Community Members, On behalf of the Board Candidate Evaluation Committee (BCEC), we invite Expressions of Interest (EOI) from individuals who would like to serve as the ICANN Board Director nominated by the At-Large Community (Seat 15). The successful candidate will begin a three-year term at the close of ICANN87 (2026 Annual General Meeting). Why does this matter? Seat 15 is the only ICANN Board seat chosen directly by the At-Large Community. It has been held since ICANN60 (2017 AGM) by León Sánchez, whose third and final term ends at ICANN87. This is a rare opportunity for an At-Large leader to bring their knowledge and experience to ICANN’s highest level of governance. About the selection process: The BCEC defines candidate requirements, issues the call for applications, and evaluates submissions. The Board Member Selection Process Committee (BMSPC) oversees the timeline and election. Both groups have regionally balanced membership and operate under a strict code of conduct and confidentiality. Regional At-Large Organizations (RALOs) may petition to add candidates to the slate. Unsuccessful applicants may have opted for their candidacy to be considered by the RALOs after the BCEC slate is published. The full process is expected to conclude no later than 22 April 2026, when the selected candidate to be nominated as an ICANN Board Member will be announced. For full information, visit the At-Large Board Member Selection Home – 2025-2026<https://icann-community.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/ABMS/pages/394657793>. How to apply: 1. Review the requirements – At-Large Board Member Candidate Requirements 2025-2026<https://icann-community.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/atlarge/pages/483065909> – Candidate Reference Links & Resources<https://icann-community.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/atlarge/pages/517800468> Please pay special attention to the “Additional Bylaws Qualifications” section to confirm your eligibility. 2. Email the BCEC Staff – Send a brief note indicating your interest to bcec-staff(a)icann.org<mailto:bcec-staff@icann.org>. – Staff will provide you access to the online EoI Form. 3. Complete the EOI Form – Submit by 23:59 UTC on Friday, 21 November 2025. – List three to four referees who are willing to provide a written reference at short notice. Questions? Please email bcec-staff(a)icann.org<mailto:bcec-staff@icann.org> for clarification. This is your opportunity to contribute your experience, vision, and commitment at ICANN’s highest level of decision-making. We encourage all qualified individuals to step forward. ICANN Policy Staff supporting the At-Large Community ** Sujet : Appel à manifestations d’intérêt pour le siège 15 du Conseil d’administration de l’ICANN (cycle 2025-2026) Chers membres de la communauté At-Large, Au nom du Comité d’évaluation des candidats au Conseil d’administration (BCEC), nous avons le plaisir de lancer un appel à manifestation d’intérêt pour le poste d’administrateur nominé par la communauté At-Large au Conseil d’administration de l’ICANN (siège 15). La personne retenue entamera un mandat de trois ans à l’issue de l’ICANN87 (Réunion générale annuelle de 2026). Pourquoi cela est-il important ? Le siège 15 est le seul siège du Conseil d’administration de l’ICANN qui soit directement pourvu par la communauté At-Large. Occupé depuis l’ICANN60 (Réunion générale annuelle 2017) par León Sánchez, dont le troisième et dernier mandat s’achèvera à l’ICANN87, ce poste représente une occasion unique pour un leader de la communauté At-Large d’apporter ses connaissances et son expérience au plus haut niveau de la gouvernance de l’ICANN. Le processus de sélection : Le BCEC est chargé de définir les critères de candidature, de publier l’appel à candidatures et d’évaluer les dossiers. De son côté, le Comité chargé du processus de sélection d’un membre du Conseil d’administration (BMSPC) supervise le calendrier et le déroulement de l’élection. Les deux groupes, équilibrés sur le plan régional au niveau de leur composition, s’acquittent de leurs tâches suivant un code de conduite et des règles de confidentialité des plus stricts. Les organisations régionales At-Large (RALO) peuvent proposer l’ajout de noms à la liste des candidats. Les candidats non retenus peuvent avoir choisi que leur candidature soit examinée par les RALO après la publication de la liste du BCEC. L’ensemble du processus devrait s’achever au plus tard le 22 avril 2026, date à laquelle sera annoncé le nom du nouvel administrateur. Pour en savoir plus, rendez-vous sur l’espace dédié à la sélection d’un membre du Conseil d’administration en représentation d’At-Large – 2025-2026<https://icann-community.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/ABMS/pages/394657793>. Comment déposer sa candidature ? 1. Vérifier les critères — Exigences pour les candidats au poste de membre du Conseil d’administration en représentation d’At-Large 2025-2026<https://icann-community.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/atlarge/pages/483065909>. — Liens et ressources de référence à l’usage du candidat<https://icann-community.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/atlarge/pages/517800468> (à actualiser) Veuillez porter une attention particulière à la section « Compétences supplémentaires au titre des statuts constitutif ». Elle vous aidera à confirmer votre éligibilité. 1. Échanger avec le BCEC par courrier électronique — Envoyez une courte note à bcec-staff(a)icann.org<mailto:bcec-staff@icann.org> pour faire part de votre intérêt. — L’équipe vous donnera alors accès au formulaire de manifestation d’intérêt (EoI). 1. Soumettre le formulaire EoI — Veuillez remplir le formulaire et le soumettre avant le vendredi 21 novembre 2025 à 23 h 59 UTC. — Indiquez-y trois à quatre personnes de référence qui seraient disposées à fournir une lettre de recommandation dans de brefs délais. Des questions ? N’hésitez pas à écrire à bcec-staff(a)icann.org. C’est pour vous l’occasion de contribuer, par votre expérience, votre vision et votre engagement, à la plus haute instance décisionnelle de l’ICANN. Toutes les personnes qualifiées sont vivement encouragées à se porter candidates. Cordialement, L’équipe de l’ICANN chargée du soutien aux politiques pour la communauté At-Large ** Asunto: Convocatoria a presentar manifestaciones de interés – Puesto 15 de la Junta Directiva de la ICANN (ciclo 2025–2026) Estimado miembro de la comunidad At-Large, En nombre del Comité para la Evaluación de Candidatos a la Junta Directiva (BCEC), invitamos a presentar manifestaciones de interés (EoI) a las personas que deseen desempeñar las funciones de Miembro de la Junta Directiva de la ICANN seleccionado por la comunidad At-Large (Puesto 15). El candidato nominado comenzará un mandato de tres años al finalizar la reunión ICANN87 (Reunión General Anual 2026). ¿Por qué es importante? El puesto 15 es el único de la Junta Directiva de la ICANN elegido directamente por la comunidad At-Large. Lo ocupa desde la reunión ICANN60 (AGM de 2017) León Sánchez, cuyo tercer y último mandato finaliza en ICANN87. Se trata de una oportunidad excepcional para que un líder de At-Large aporte sus conocimientos y experiencia al más alto nivel de gobernanza de la ICANN. Acerca del proceso de selección: El BCEC define los requisitos de los candidatos, publica la convocatoria a presentar solicitudes y evalúa las presentaciones. El Comité para el Proceso de Selección de Miembros de la Junta Directiva (BMSPC) supervisa el calendario y la elección. Ambos grupos tienen una composición regional equilibrada y funcionan conforme a un estricto código de conducta y confidencialidad. Las Organizaciones Regionales At-Large (RALO) pueden solicitar que se agreguen candidatos a la lista. Los candidatos no seleccionados pueden haber optado por que su candidatura sea considerada por los RALO después de que se publique la lista del BCEC. Se prevé que el proceso completo concluya a más tardar el 22 de abril de 2026, fecha en la que se anunciará el Miembro de la Junta Directiva nominado. Para obtener toda la información, los invitamos a consultar el espacio de trabajo para la selección del miembro de la Junta Directiva por parte de la comunidad At-Large (2025-2026)<https://icann-community.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/ABMS/pages/394657793>. Cómo presentar una solicitud: 1. Consulte los requisitos – Requisitos para Postulantes al Puesto de la Junta Directiva en Representación de At-Large 2025-2026<https://icann-community.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/atlarge/pages/483065909> – Enlaces y recursos de referencia para postulantes<https://icann-community.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/atlarge/pages/517800468> (a actualizar) Preste especial atención a la sección "Cualificaciones Adicionales conforme a los Estatutos" para confirmar su elegibilidad. 1. Envíe un correo electrónico al personal del BCEC – Envíe una breve nota manifestando su interés a bcec-staff(a)icann.org<mailto:bcec-staff@icann.org>. – El personal le proporcionará acceso al formulario de EoI en línea. 1. Complete el formulario de EoI – Preséntelo antes de las 23:59 UTC del viernes 21 de noviembre de 2025. – Indique tres o cuatro personas de referencia que estén dispuestas a facilitar una referencia por escrito en un plazo breve. ¿Preguntas? Envíe un correo electrónico a bcec-staff(a)icann.org<mailto:bcec-staff@icann.org> si tiene alguna duda o consulta. Esta es su oportunidad de aportar su experiencia, visión y compromiso al más alto nivel de toma de decisiones de la ICANN. Alentamos a todas las personas cualificadas a que den un paso al frente. Saludos cordiales, Personal de políticas de la ICANN en apoyo de la comunidad At-Large At-Large Staff ICANN Policy Staff in support of the At-Large Community Website: atlarge.icann.org<https://atlarge.icann.org/>

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FOR COMMENT: Third draft ALAC Appointee Metrics document
by Heidi Ullrich Oct. 17, 2025

Oct. 17, 2025

Dear All, On behalf of the ALAC Leadership Team, please find for your input the third draft ALAC Appointee Metrics document (see:https://docs.google.com/document/d/1tL0yOViFberRJLmoFzsiq8VqUkk8x5oQdgp…) which was reported on during the ALAC Monthly Call of September 2025. Having previously received comments from a select group of current and immediate past ALAC Appointees, followed by a round of rationalization by ALAC members, comments are now invited from the At-Large Community members. Please add your input by way of the comment function, by 15 November 2025 at 23:59 UTC. This draft should be considered part of a larger continuous improvement effort for the ALAC, consistent with the ALAC Continuous Improvement Program (CIP) initiative. It seeks to establish both an ALAC Appointee's and the At-Large Community's understanding of the roles and responsibilities of each ALAC Appointee (which includes the ALAC Liaisons and Representatives) and the standards expected of them. In the same manner, it is also meant to serve as guidance for any At-Large Community member who wishes to be considered for any of the roles included in the document, as and when a vacancy is to be filled by the ALAC. A final version of this document is anticipated to be proposed to the ALAC, after community comments, revision (if necessary) and settlement, for adoption as an adjunct document to the ALAC Rules of Procedures (i.e., ALAC Rules of Procedure Adjunct Document – Metrics and Remedial Actions for Appointees). Kind regards, Heidi Heidi Ullrich, PhD VP, Policy Development & At-Large Relations Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) Mobile: +1 310 437 3956 Fax: +1 310 823 8649 Website: atlarge.icann.org<https://atlarge.icann.org/>

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Joint AFRALO-LACRALO Webinar “Unlocking Opportunities: Upcoming Rounds of New gTLDs and What they mean for the African and LAC Regions”
by ICANN Policy Calendar Oct. 8, 2025

Oct. 8, 2025

** Please register and share this invitation amongst your ALSes and members ** Zoom registration: https://icann.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_AtnYSH9BST2n994MH8pHvg [icann.zoom.us]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/icann.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_AtnYSH…> English, French, Spanish, Arabic and Portuguese interpretation Dear All, Invitation to attend the Joint AFRALO-LACRALO Webinar “Unlocking Opportunities: Upcoming Rounds of New gTLDs and What they mean for the African and LAC Regions” on Wednesday 08 October 2025 from 18:00 – 20:00 UTC. This is meant to be an informative, awareness and educational webinar about the upcoming round of new gTLDs, the Applicant Support Program (ASP) and the assistance provided to create support for the underserved communities. In addition, the webinar will provide regional specific case studies that tell the story of a TLD including its background and business objectives. Agenda: https://icann-community.atlassian.net/wiki/x/AQATHg [icann-community.atlassian.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/icann-community.atlassian.net/wiki/x/AQA…> Zoom registration: https://icann.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_AtnYSH9BST2n994MH8pHvg [icann.zoom.us]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/icann.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_AtnYSH…> Interpretation: English, French, Spanish, Arabic and Portuguese Important: please keep note of the zoom room as you will be sent an unique link. Thank you. Kind regards, At-Large Staff ICANN Policy Staff in support of the At-Large Community www.icann.org<http://www.icann.org/>

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**IMPORTANT** TODAY - Registration | Joint AFRALO-LACRALO Webinar “Unlocking Opportunities: Upcoming Rounds of New gTLDs and What they mean for the African and LAC Regions”
by ICANN At-Large Staff Oct. 8, 2025

Oct. 8, 2025

** Please register and share this invitation amongst your ALSes and members ** Veuillez vous inscrire et partager cette invitation parmi vos ALS et membres Zoom registration: https://icann.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_AtnYSH9BST2n994MH8pHvg [icann.zoom.us]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/icann.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_AtnYSH…> English, French, Spanish, Arabic and Portuguese interpretation Dear All, Invitation to attend the Joint AFRALO-LACRALO Webinar “Unlocking Opportunities: Upcoming Rounds of New gTLDs and What they mean for the African and LAC Regions” on Wednesday 08 October 2025 from 18:00 – 20:00 UTC. This is meant to be an informative, awareness and educational webinar about the upcoming round of new gTLDs, the Applicant Support Program (ASP) and the assistance provided to create support for the underserved communities. In addition, the webinar will provide regional specific case studies that tell the story of a TLD including its background and business objectives. Invitation au webinaire conjoint AFRALO-LACRALO « Exploiter les opportunités : Prochaines séries de nouveaux gTLD et leurs implications pour les régions Afrique et Amérique latine et Caraïbes » le mercredi 8 octobre 2025 de 18h00 à 20h00 UTC. Ce webinaire se veut informatif, éducatif et de sensibilisation sur les prochaines séries de nouveaux gTLD, le Programme de soutien aux candidats (PSC) et l'aide apportée aux communautés mal desservies. Des études de cas régionales spécifiques présenteront également l'histoire d'un TLD, son contexte et ses objectifs commerciaux. Agenda: https://icann-community.atlassian.net/wiki/x/AQATHg [icann-community.atlassian.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/icann-community.atlassian.net/wiki/x/AQA…> Zoom registration: https://icann.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_AtnYSH9BST2n994MH8pHvg [icann.zoom.us]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/icann.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_AtnYSH…> Interpretation: English, French, Spanish, Arabic and Portuguese Important: please keep note of the zoom room as you will be sent an unique link. Thank you. Kind regards, At-Large Staff ICANN Policy Staff in support of the At-Large Community www.icann.org<http://www.icann.org>

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