[rpd] Current Policy Proposals and Community Engagement in the PDP

[DANIEL NANGHAKA]

Dear Members,

As part of our ongoing discussions within the Policy Development Process
(PDP), I would like to draw your attention to the *current policy proposals*
available on the AFRINIC website:

👉 https://afrinic.net/policy/proposals

These proposals represent important steps in shaping Internet number
resource management in our region, and your input is critical to ensure
they reflect the needs and aspirations of our community.


Caleb recently reminded us of a key point:

*“Board ratification is a critical governance checkpoint where proposals
are reviewed for legal implications, operational feasibility, and alignment
with AFRINIC’s mission and bylaws. Given that we’re emerging from three
years of limited functionality as a community, I believe the Community and
the Board deserve adequate time to properly review and ratify proposals,
especially those that may have significant operational or financial
implications for AFRINIC and its members. Times have changed in the last
three years and community members have different views on certain policies.
Rushing this process could lead to oversights that create problems down the
line. Quality should take precedence over speed.”*


This perspective highlights the importance of a measured, inclusive, and
well-informed deliberations as we restart the PDP process.


In addition, Ben raised an equally important point on diversity and
participation:

*“I feel that as we restart the PWDG process, what is absolutely key is
that we get much more diversity in that process. My question back to you is
to ask, how do we invigorate the process to involve many more key experts
in the digital economy of Africa?”*


This is a challenge for all of us to consider. A more diverse and
representative PDP will help ensure that the outcomes reflect the realities
of Africa’s digital transformation and Internet growth.


Some possible ways we might invigorate participation include:


   1.

   *Targeted outreach* to universities, research networks, and ICT training
   institutions to bring in young technical experts and academics (this
   process is already ongoing with teh AFRINIC Fellowship Program).
   2.

   *Engagement of the private sector* and tech industry leaders,
   particularly those driving Africa’s digital economy (startups, ISPs,
   fintechs, cloud providers, etc.).
   3.

   *Partnerships with regional Internet and tech hubs* (AfriLabs,
   innovation hubs, NRENs, IXPs) to extend participation beyond the
   traditional AFRINIC community.
   4.

   *Simplified communication and awareness tools* (short briefs, webinars,
   podcasts) to make policy discussions more accessible to non-specialists.
   5.

   *Mentorship and capacity building* to help new voices actively
   contribute to proposal drafting and discussion (I was once a AFRINIC Fellow
   Mentor where I mentored over 10+ AFRINIC Fellows)


I would like to invite community members to share their views on:


   1.

   How we can practically improve participation and diversity in the PDP.
   2.

   How we can ensure sufficient quality review and deliberation time, while
   maintaining momentum.

Your contributions are essential to making the PDP stronger, more
inclusive, and more effective.


Best regards,

Daniel
Nanghaka Daniel Khauka.
Chair - GovCom
ICT & Digital Transformation Consultant | Knowledge Management & Innovation
Specialist | Governance & Development Advisor
Mobile +256 772 898298 (Uganda)

----------------------------------------- *"Working for Africa" *
-----------------------------------------



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