[rpd] In Memoriam: Alan Barrett

Fri May 29 00:33:37 UTC 2026

Such Sad news this is. May his gentle soul rest in Peace.

Africa lost a great mind, one who was careful with all he had to say on a given subject or topic of discussion. His deep roots in the development of Africa's digital infrastructure would be missed and so will his calm demenor and spirt.

My prayers are with his family and hope the find the courage to blaze on even in the face of this loss.

Adieu Alan B.

Lawrence

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________________________________
From: Omo Oaiya via RPD <rpd at afrinic.net>
Sent: Thursday, May 28, 2026 5:48:52 PM
To: Andrew Alston <aa at alstonnetworks.net>
Cc: RPD <rpd at afrinic.net>
Subject: Re: [rpd] In Memoriam: Alan Barrett

Very sorry to hear this. May Alan’s soul rest in peace.

The few interactions I had with him left me with the impression of someone who genuinely tried to be fair, balanced, and constructive, even in difficult circumstances.

My condolences to his family and all who worked closely with him.

Omo

On 28 May 2026, at 13:42, Andrew Alston <aa at alstonnetworks.net> wrote:

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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Omo OAIYA
Chief Strategy Officer/Directeur de la Stratégie | WACREN<https://www.wacren.net>
m: +234 808 888 1571 , +233 536 269 987

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