Indeed, DNS root server instances use BGP anycast, so the quality of service at any given node is affected by network topology and routing policies. 

Although the report below reflects tests conducted years ago, the same principles still apply today.

https://www.cnnic.com.cn/DNSCERT/NDNSA/AllianceConstitution/201504/W020150424621882739253.pdf

BR,

Zhiwei Yan

-----原始邮件-----
发件人: "Andrew McConachie via rssac-caucus" <rssac-caucus@icann.org>
发送时间: 2025-07-15 17:23:35 (星期二)
收件人: "James Olorundare" <olorundarek@gmail.com>
抄送: "RSSAC Caucus" <rssac-caucus@icann.org>
主题: [RSSAC Caucus] Re: [Ext] Request for Up to date Documentations on Root Servers

On 15 Jul 2025, at 09:27, James Olorundare <olorundarek@gmail.com> wrote:

Distinguished colleagues,

 I am preparing a presentation for an upcoming regional event, and a crucial component is a comprehensive overview of the DNS Root Zone. This includes publicly verifiable, up-to-date details on its operational intricacies, particularly within Africa. I need specific information on the operators of Root servers on the continent, their locations, deployment dates, and other operational specifics, all of which are good for public dissemination.

I aim to present a clear, concise, and highly technical perspective on this foundational internet infrastructure. I will delve into how these critical components enhance local internet resilience and reduce latency across Africa, highlighting the strategic importance of their presence.

 Your assistance in compiling this precise data will be invaluable for a compelling and informative presentation (URLs of relevant docs will be appreciated, as well as any other relevant info).

Hi James,

The map here may be useful for showing instances in Africa. 

https://rssac002.root-servers.org/site_detail_map.html

It's important to emphasize in your talk that, to the extent that latency even matters, geographic proximity will not necessarily result in reduced latencies to instances. Routing and peering policies matter more than geography when determining hop-count to root server instances.

Thanks,

Andrew