<div dir="ltr"><div>Dear Members, </div><div>
<p class="gmail-p1">As part of our ongoing discussions within the Policy Development Process (PDP), I would like to draw your attention to the <span class="gmail-s1"><b>current policy proposals</b></span> available on the AFRINIC website:</p>
<p class="gmail-p1">👉 <a href="https://afrinic.net/policy/proposals">https://afrinic.net/policy/proposals</a></p>
<p class="gmail-p2">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.</p>
<p class="gmail-p2"><br></p><p class="gmail-p2">Caleb recently reminded us of a key point:</p>
<blockquote style="margin:0px 0px 0px 15px;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;font-size-adjust:none;font-kerning:auto;font-feature-settings:normal;font-stretch:normal;font-size:14px;line-height:normal;font-family:".AppleSystemUIFont";color:rgb(14,14,14)"><i>“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.”</i><i></i></blockquote>
<p class="gmail-p2"><br></p>
<p class="gmail-p1">This perspective highlights the importance of a measured, inclusive, and well-informed deliberations as we restart the PDP process.</p>
<p class="gmail-p2"><br></p>
<p class="gmail-p1">In addition, Ben raised an equally important point on diversity and participation:</p>
<blockquote style="margin:0px 0px 0px 15px;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;font-size-adjust:none;font-kerning:auto;font-feature-settings:normal;font-stretch:normal;font-size:14px;line-height:normal;font-family:".AppleSystemUIFont";color:rgb(14,14,14)"><i>“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?”</i><i></i></blockquote>
<p class="gmail-p2"><br></p>
<p class="gmail-p1">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.</p>
<p class="gmail-p2"><br></p>
<p class="gmail-p1">Some possible ways we might invigorate participation include:</p>
<p class="gmail-p4"><span class="gmail-s2"></span></p><ol><li><p class="gmail-p1"><span class="gmail-s1"><b>Targeted outreach</b></span> 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).</p>
</li><li>
<p class="gmail-p1"><span class="gmail-s1"><b>Engagement of the private sector</b></span> and tech industry leaders, particularly those driving Africa’s digital economy (startups, ISPs, fintechs, cloud providers, etc.).</p>
</li><li>
<p class="gmail-p1"><span class="gmail-s1"><b>Partnerships with regional Internet and tech hubs</b></span> (AfriLabs, innovation hubs, NRENs, IXPs) to extend participation beyond the traditional AFRINIC community.</p>
</li><li>
<p class="gmail-p1"><span class="gmail-s1"><b>Simplified communication and awareness tools</b></span> (short briefs, webinars, podcasts) to make policy discussions more accessible to non-specialists.</p>
</li><li>
<p class="gmail-p1"><span class="gmail-s1"><b>Mentorship and capacity building</b></span> 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)</p>
</li></ol><p></p>
<p class="gmail-p2"><br></p>
<p class="gmail-p1">I would like to invite community members to share their views on:</p>
<p class="gmail-p4"><span class="gmail-s2"></span></p><ol start="1"><li>
<p class="gmail-p1">How we can practically improve participation and diversity in the PDP.</p>
</li><li>
<p class="gmail-p1">How we can ensure sufficient quality review and deliberation time, while maintaining momentum.</p></li></ol>
<p class="gmail-p1">Your contributions are essential to making the PDP stronger, more inclusive, and more effective.</p>
<p class="gmail-p2"><br></p>
<p class="gmail-p1">Best regards,</p><p class="gmail-p1">Daniel</p></div><div><div dir="ltr" class="gmail_signature" data-smartmail="gmail_signature"><div dir="ltr"><div dir="ltr"><div dir="ltr"><div dir="ltr"><div dir="ltr"><div dir="ltr"><div dir="ltr"><div dir="ltr"><div dir="ltr"><div>Nanghaka Daniel Khauka.</div><div>Chair - GovCom </div><div>ICT & Digital Transformation Consultant | Knowledge Management & Innovation Specialist | Governance & Development Advisor</div><div>Mobile +256 772 898298 (Uganda)</div><div><br></div><div>----------------------------------------- <i><span>"Working for Africa" </span></i>-----------------------------------------<br> <br><br><br></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div hspace="streak-pt-mark" style="max-height:1px"><img alt="" style="width:0px;max-height:0px;overflow:hidden" src="https://mailfoogae.appspot.com/t?sender=aZG5kYW5uYW5nQGdtYWlsLmNvbQ%3D%3D&type=zerocontent&guid=e6deb579-22d4-4464-9e47-19b8ebb5fbb6"><font color="#ffffff" size="1">ᐧ</font></div>