[rpd] In Memoriam: Alan Barrett

[Badru Ntege]

Dear Andrew, and all,

Thank you for sharing this heartbreaking news with such care and dignity.

Alan was indeed a friend of the community. I first met him in Kampala at AfNOG 2003, and even then, his passion was unmistakable. He wasn't just attending meetings — he was deeply invested in building something that would serve the African Internet for decades to come. That commitment never wavered.

Alan was a passionate instructor at every AfNOG and AfriNIC meeting. From the early days right up to the last major face-to-face, in-person event in Kampala just before COVID, I don't think he missed a single annual gathering. His dedication to teaching and mentoring the next generation of network engineers across Africa was extraordinary. He showed up year after year, not for recognition, but because he believed in the work and in the people.

His kindness, willingness to listen, and quiet strength made him someone you could always turn to.

My deepest condolences to Kerry and all of Alan's family. May they find strength and peace in this difficult time.

Rest in peace, Alan. You will be sorely missed.

Badru Ntege

From: Andrew Alston <aa at alstonnetworks.net>
Date: Thursday, 28 May 2026 at 3:43 PM
To: RPD <rpd at afrinic.net>
Subject: [rpd] In Memoriam: Alan Barrett

Dear friends and colleagues,

As some of you will already be aware, it is with immense sadness that we confirm, on behalf of his wife Kerry and the family, the passing of Alan Barrett. Alan died on May 28th in Cape Town, South Africa, following a diagnosis of late-stage cancer about a month ago. We are sharing this notice so that the community has accurate information at a moment when Kerry and the family need space to grieve.

Alan was a friend, a willing listener, and someone who always stepped up to help when called upon. His contributions to the African Internet ecosystem were second to none, and with his passing we lose not only a friend but a giant of the industry.

In 1990, Alan helped establish the very first Internet connection to South African universities, and in 1993 he co-founded the country's first commercial Internet Service Provider. In 1997 he co-authored the proposal to create AfriNIC and subsequently served on the steering committee tasked with bringing it into being. Alan served on the AfriNIC board from 2004 to 2009 and was a member of the NRO NC from 2004 to 2014. In 2015 he was appointed CEO of AfriNIC, a role he held until 2019.

Beyond Africa, he was a central participant in the IANA Stewardship Transition Coordination Group, and until his death served on the ICANN board on behalf of the Address Supporting Organisation.

Alan will be sorely missed by the community, his relatives and his wife, Kerry.

Kerry and the family ask for privacy at this time. We will be organising an online memorial in due course and will share details once they are available.

Andrew Alston
Remco van Mook
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