Changes

==Contention==

==Contention==

Prior to [[ICANN]]'s implementation of the [[new gTLD]] program, another [[registry]], [[DotConnectAfrica]] ([[DCA]]) submitted a competing 'private' application to [[ICANN]] for the [[dotAfrica]] [[gTLD]]. On October 29th, 2018, [[DCA]] contacted the Chairperson of the AUC seeking support for its application for the [[dotAfrica]] [[gTLD]], stating that "collaboration of the AU (with [[ICANN]]) will be a necessity if not a prerequisite" due to the impending program requirement changes.

Prior to [[ICANN]]'s implementation of the [[new gTLD]] program, another [[registry]], [[DotConnectAfrica]] ([[DCA]]) submitted a competing 'private' application to [[ICANN]] for the [[dotAfrica]] [[gTLD]]. On October 29th, 2018,<ref name="Tilting"></ref> [[DCA]] contacted the Chairperson of the AUC seeking support for its application for the [[dotAfrica]] [[gTLD]], stating that "collaboration of the AU (with [[ICANN]]) will be a necessity if not a prerequisite" due to the impending program requirement changes.

After an initial meeting with the Chairperson from the AUC, [[DCA]] contacted the Chairperson again by letter on July 31st, 2009 seeking an endorsement letter. The AUC responded favorably initially, but later retracted its support after consulting with 'relevant stakeholders', further stating that they would implement an open process for all applicants. [[DCA]] responded by stating "we fully support the open process and are quite confident based on our due diligence to date, to be one of the leading contenders.<ref name="Tilting"></ref>

After an initial meeting with the Chairperson from the AUC, [[DCA]] contacted the Chairperson again by letter on July 31st, 2009<ref name="Tilting"></ref> seeking an endorsement letter. The AUC responded favorably initially, but later retracted its support after consulting with 'relevant stakeholders', further stating that they would implement an open process for all applicants. [[DCA]] responded by stating "we fully support the open process and are quite confident based on our due diligence to date, to be one of the leading contenders.<ref name="Tilting"></ref>

After the AUC's 'Call for Expression of Interest in May of 2011, [[DCA]] responded to the open process negatively, stating that the actions of the AUC were not "transparent and accountable" and that their previous endorsement was still applicable. In response, the AUC stated that [[DCA]]'s continued persistence would create an "unwarranted and unecessary intrustion on the AUC's mandate."

After the AUC's 'Call for Expression of Interest in May of 2011,<ref name="Tilting"></ref> [[DCA]] responded to the open process negatively, stating that the actions of the AUC were not "transparent and accountable" and that their previous endorsement was still applicable. In response, the AUC stated that [[DCA]]'s continued persistence would create an "unwarranted and unecessary intrustion on the AUC's mandate."

In Novermber 2012, the AUC proceeded to submit a [[GAC]] Early Warning against [[DCA]]'s application. Many African countries followed suit. The [[GAC]] then created the [[Beijing Communique]] which confirmed an official 'Objection' to [[DCA]]'s application. [[ICANN]]'s [[NGPC]] accepted the conclusion of the [[GAC]]'s communique and suggested that [[DCA]] not proceed. Consequently, [[ICANN]] determined the application should not be approved.  

In Novermber 2012,<ref name="Tilting"></ref> the AUC proceeded to submit a [[GAC]] Early Warning against [[DCA]]'s application. Many African countries followed suit. The [[GAC]] then created the [[Beijing Communique]] which confirmed an official 'Objection' to [[DCA]]'s application. [[ICANN]]'s [[NGPC]] accepted the conclusion of the [[GAC]]'s communique and suggested that [[DCA]] not proceed. Consequently, [[ICANN]] determined the application should not be approved.  

The assignment of .Africa to a [[Registry]] is still on hold at this time. A decision, yet to be made by the [[IRP]] (Independent Review Panel) will no doubt greatly impact the development of Africa's presence on the Internet.

The assignment of .Africa to a [[Registry]] is still on hold at this time. A decision, yet to be made by the [[IRP]] (Independent Review Panel) will no doubt greatly impact the development of Africa's presence on the Internet.