Capacity Development of ccTLDs in Africa Project Concludes Successfully

The Capacity Development of Country Code Top-Level Domains (ccTLDs) Project, under the Coalition for Digital Africa’s Capacity Building Initiative, has successfully concluded its comprehensive program aimed at enhancing the capacity of nine ccTLD registries to support the growth of the digital economy in their respective countries.  It provided valuable training and resources to empower ccTLD operators, improve operational efficiency, and encourage ongoing collaboration among stakeholders. The nine countries that participated in this targeted program were Niger, Benin, Togo, Comoros, Madagascar, Angola, Burundi, Zimbabwe, and The Gambia.

To achieve these goals, the project adopted a multi-faceted approach consisting of three key components: in-person training sessions, follow-up webinars, and a mentorship program. Together, these approaches were designed to provide participants with the skills, knowledge and support needed to strengthen their registry operations and contribute to the digital economy in their respective countries.

 

In-Person Training

The project kicked off with two significant training sessions held in June and July 2024. These sessions were pivotal, offering participants the opportunity to engage directly with experts from the Internet ecosystem and interact with fellow ccTLD operators, building relationships and sharing knowledge.

Business and Marketing Training
The two-day business and marketing training was held in Kigali, Rwanda, from 8–9 June 2024 and was facilitated by the Association Française pour le Nommage Internet en Coopération (AFNIC). This session focused on presentations and group discussions that addressed the political, organizational, and governance challenges faced by the ccTLDs in attendance. The workshop preceded the ICANN80 Policy Forum, allowing participants to attend the meeting and gain further insights into the global policy environment.

Technical Training
Following the business and marketing session, a five-day technical training was held in Nairobi, Kenya, from 15-19 July 2024. This training, facilitated by the Network Startup Resource Center (NSRC), focused on the technical aspects of ccTLD operations, including presentations, hands-on labs, and group activities. Participants deepened their understanding of the Domain Name System (DNS) ecosystem and registry management. The training concluded with a one-day learning visit to the Kenya Network Information Centre (KENIC) and the Africa Data Centre (ADC) offering practical insights into the real world registry operations.

 

Follow-Up Webinars
To continue the learning process beyond the in-person sessions, the project featured a series of follow-up webinars designed to facilitate peer-to-peer exchange and further knowledge sharing. These webinars allowed participants to reconnect, discuss their experiences, and learn from each other with the guidance of facilitators.

Representatives from the NSRC led the Business and Marketing webinar, which were held on 19 and 30 September 2024, while a Technical Webinar on 20 September 2024 featured DNS experts from the NSRC. These online sessions provided participants with an avenue for continued learning, reinforcing the concepts covered during the in-person training.

Mentorship Program
The project also included a mentorship program to provide ongoing guidance, support, and personalized advice to ccTLD operators. The goal was to help participants assess their strengths and weaknesses and develop action plans for short- to medium-term growth. The mentorship program ensure that the lessons learned during the training were not only understood but also put into practice. Led by experienced mentors with expertise in registry management within the African region, the program received highly positive feedback. Participants highlighted the value of continuous guidance, and many expressed strong interest in maintaining communication with their mentors beyond the program’s official conclusion to receive further support and advice.

As we conclude this project, we celebrate the achievements and progress made by all participants. The skills and knowledge acquired will undoubtedly empower ccTLD operators to navigate the complexities of the digital landscape more effectively. Additionally, the project has strengthened regional collaboration among ccTLDs, paving the way for a more unified approach to addressing challenges and leveraging opportunities within Africa's digital ecosystem. The Coalition for Digital Africa remains committed to supporting these efforts.

Thank you to all participants, trainers, mentors, and stakeholders who contributed to the success of this initiative.