Changes

==DotConnectAfrica Bid for DotAfrica==

==DotConnectAfrica Bid for DotAfrica==

In 2006, Sophia Bekele, initiated the proposal to develop the DotAfrica gTLD through her non-profit organization DotConnectAfrica (DCA), which will serve as the sponsor and registry operator. She first presented her proposal to the African Members of the [[ICANN Board]] as well as to African members of the different groups within the ICANN community in Lisbon. In her presentation, Bekele emphasized the need and significance of the DotAfrica domain name to reach and enrich the global internet community. She pointed out that DotAfrica will enable users to express their membership in a larger Pan African and African community, allow Africa to take its rightful place alongside [[.Asia]] and [[.eu|EU]].In addition Bekele cited that the DotAfrica proposal complies with the objectives of the [[WSIS]] to empower developing countries using ICT as well as to the policies of the African Union, United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) and the Africa Drive Project (ADP) for the development of the continent.<ref>[http://www.slideshare.net/Nyosef/dotafrica .Africa's Map in the Digital Inclusion: A Common Voice for Africa By Sophia Bekele]</ref>

In 2006, Sophia Bekele, initiated the proposal to develop the DotAfrica gTLD through her non-profit organization DotConnectAfrica (DCA), which would serve as the sponsor and registry operator. She first presented her proposal to the African Members of the [[ICANN Board]] as well as to African members from various different groups within the ICANN community at [[ICANN 28]] in Lisbon. In her presentation, Bekele emphasized the need and significance of the .africa domain name to reach and enrich the global internet community. She pointed out that .africa would enable users to express their membership in a larger Pan-African and African community, and also allow Africa to take its rightful place alongside [[.asia]] and [[.eu]]. In addition, Bekele cited that the DotAfrica proposal complies with the objectives of the [[WSIS]] to empower developing countries using ICT, as well as to the policies of the African Union, United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), and the Africa Drive Project for the development of the continent.<ref>[http://www.slideshare.net/Nyosef/dotafrica .Africa's Map in the Digital Inclusion: A Common Voice for Africa By Sophia Bekele]</ref>

Since then, Bekele actively campaigned for the .Africa proposal among African organizations and communities in the region. In 2008, Bekele announced DCA's DotAfrica initiative during the public forum at the ICANN Paris Meeting.<ref>[http://www.dotconnectafrica.org/2008/06/22-june-2008-paris-icann-dot-africa-initiative-announced-icann-paris-meeting/ 22 June 2008 – Paris ICANN: DotAfrica Initiative announced at ICANN Paris meeting!]</ref>

Since then, Bekele has actively campaigned for the .africa proposal among organizations and communities in the African region. In 2008, Bekele announced DCA's DotAfrica initiative during the public forum at the ICANN Paris Meeting.<ref>[http://www.dotconnectafrica.org/2008/06/22-june-2008-paris-icann-dot-africa-initiative-announced-icann-paris-meeting/ 22 June 2008 – Paris ICANN: DotAfrica Initiative announced at ICANN Paris meeting]</ref>

===AUA Letter of Endorsement to DCA DotAfrica Project===

===AUA Letter of Endorsement to DCA DotAfrica Project===

On August 27, 2009, the African Union Authority (AUA) expressed its support to the DotAfrica Project of DCA and its willingness to provide assistance to coordinate the initiative with the African Ministers and Governments. Furthermore, the AUA also endorsed the DCA initiative. The letter was signed by AUA Chairman Jean Ping.<ref>[http://www.scribd.com/doc/31565131/African-Union-AU-Endorsement-of-DotConnectAfrica#fullscreen:on African Union Commission Letter, Subject: Endorsement of the Dot Africa (.africa) Initiative]</ref>  

On August 27, 2009, the African Union Authority (AUA) expressed its support for DCA's DotAfrica Project, also expressing a willingness to provide assistance in the coordination of the initiative with the African Ministers and Governments. Furthermore, the AUA endorsed the DCA initiative as a while. The letter was signed by AUA Chairman Jean Ping.<ref>[http://www.scribd.com/doc/31565131/African-Union-AU-Endorsement-of-DotConnectAfrica#fullscreen:on African Union Commission Letter, Subject: Endorsement of the Dot Africa (.africa) Initiative]</ref>  

Surprisingly on May 12, 2011, the African Union Commission (AUC) turned their back on the endorsement made by AUA Chairman Jean Ping to DCA. The  The AUC clarified that African Union Ministers in Charge of Communication and information Technologies during the Member States meeting  decided to allow competition among organizations interested in sponsoring and operating the proposed .Africa gTLD. The AUC pointed out that it is not supporting or endorsing any individual or organization.In addition, the AUC announced that entities must submit their Expressions Of Interest (EOI), which will become the basis of their selection and endorsement. <ref>[http://library.constantcontact.com/download/get/file/1102516344150-107/Communique_Statement_by_AUC_on_Dot_Africa_May_10th__AO+MY_+BK_Comments%5b1%5d.pdf COMMUNIQUE: The Africa Union Commission Clarification on Dot Africa]</ref>

On May 12, 2011, however, the African Union Commission retracted the endorsement made by AUA Chairman Jean Ping to DCA. The AUC clarified that during the Members States meeting, the African Union Ministers in charge of Communication and Information Technologies had decided to allow competition among organizations interested in sponsoring and operating the proposed .africa gTLD. The AUC pointed out that it was not supporting or endorsing any individual or organization. In addition, the AUC announced that entities must submit an Expression of Interest (EOI), on which they would base their selection and endorsement.<ref>[http://library.constantcontact.com/download/get/file/1102516344150-107/Communique_Statement_by_AUC_on_Dot_Africa_May_10th__AO+MY_+BK_Comments%5b1%5d.pdf COMMUNIQUE: The Africa Union Commission Clarification on Dot Africa]</ref>

===DCA Reaction to African Union EOI===

===DCA Reaction to African Union EOI===