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</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--></head><body lang=en-KE link="#467886" vlink="#96607D" style='word-wrap:break-word'><div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><b><i><span style='font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:#212121'>(Apologies for cross-posting)</span></i></b></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ligatures:none;mso-fareast-language:EN-GB'>Dear Colleagues</span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ligatures:none;mso-fareast-language:EN-GB'>Registration is still open for the <b>“Exploring African ccTLDs: Trends, Challenges, and Opportunities”</b> Webinar<b> </b>that will take place on <b>18th April 2024 </b>and will start at <b>9:00 UTC</b> on the Zoom Platform. </span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ligatures:none;mso-fareast-language:EN-GB'>The session will be moderated by Stephen Honlue, the Project Manager and Transformation Lead, AFRINIC.</span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ligatures:none;mso-fareast-language:EN-GB'>With him on the panel will be: </span></p><ol start=1 type=1><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-list:l5 level1 lfo3'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ligatures:none;mso-fareast-language:EN-GB'>Mr. Barrack Otieno - General Manager, Africa Top Level Domains Organization (AFTLD)</span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-list:l5 level1 lfo3'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ligatures:none;mso-fareast-language:EN-GB'>Mr. Yazid Akanoh - Technical Engagement Specialist for Middle East and Africa, ICANN.</span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-list:l5 level1 lfo3'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ligatures:none;mso-fareast-language:EN-GB'>Mr. Lucky Masilela - Chief Executive Officer, ZA Central Registry NPC</span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-list:l5 level1 lfo3'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ligatures:none;mso-fareast-language:EN-GB'>Mr. Albert Kamga - Director of Standardisation and Cooperation , ANTIC</span></li></ol><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ligatures:none;mso-fareast-language:EN-GB'>Why should you Attend?</span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ligatures:none;mso-fareast-language:EN-GB'>One crucial aspect of Africa’s digital evolution is the use of Country Code Top-Level Domains (ccTLDs). ccTLDs are crucial in defining a nation's online presence and digital identity. This webinar will delve into the trends, challenges, and opportunities surrounding African ccTLDs, shedding light on their significance in the continent's digital journey.</span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ligatures:none;mso-fareast-language:EN-GB'>At the end of the webinar, participants will:</span></p><ol start=1 type=1><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo6'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ligatures:none;mso-fareast-language:EN-GB'>Gain insights into the current trends and developments shaping the African ccTLD landscape. This includes aspects such as registration patterns, domain growth, market dynamics, and emerging technologies impacting ccTLD management.</span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo6'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ligatures:none;mso-fareast-language:EN-GB'>Understand common challenges faced by African ccTLD registries, such as regulatory hurdles, technical infrastructure limitations, cybersecurity concerns, competition from generic TLDs and more.</span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo6'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ligatures:none;mso-fareast-language:EN-GB'>Uncover the diverse opportunities offered by African ccTLDs, through case studies and expert analysis. This includes leveraging domains for economic development, promoting local content and businesses, fostering digital innovation, enhancing online security and trust, and contributing to a vibrant digital ecosystem across the continent.</span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo6'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ligatures:none;mso-fareast-language:EN-GB'>Gain insights into the policy frameworks governing ccTLD management and governance in Africa, as well as the importance of collaboration and partnership in enhancing ccTLD ecosystems, equipping participants to engage in policy discourse and collaborative endeavours effectively.</span></li></ol><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ligatures:none;mso-fareast-language:EN-GB'>Join us for an exciting panel discussion featuring representatives from some Country Code Top-Level Domains (ccTLDs) across Africa and get a glimpse of how these institutions are influencing the direction of Africa's digital landscape.</span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:#215F9A;mso-ligatures:none;mso-fareast-language:EN-GB'><a href="https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/2117103314691/WN_eYNJIQCLSRmTyQMK1zMbzQ"><span style='color:#215F9A'>Secure your spot and register</span><span style='color:#215F9A;font-weight:normal'> </span><span style='color:#215F9A'>here.</span></a></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ligatures:none;mso-fareast-language:EN-GB'>Be sure to save the date and spread the word as your participation is key to making these sessions a success!</span></p><div class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ligatures:none;mso-fareast-language:EN-GB'><hr size=0 width="100%" align=center></span></div><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ligatures:none;mso-fareast-language:EN-GB'>Here's a glimpse of what's coming up next:</span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ligatures:none;mso-fareast-language:EN-GB'>For the next three weeks, we have planned a three-part series of the Understanding the AFRINIC Policy.</span></p><ol start=1 type=1><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo9'><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:#215F9A;mso-ligatures:none;mso-fareast-language:EN-GB'><a href="https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/5217123174319/WN_WkL2_ut3RriZFwSVqp1VsA"><span style='color:#215F9A'>“Navigating the AFRINIC Policy Landscape”</span></a></span></b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ligatures:none;mso-fareast-language:EN-GB'> on 25th April 2024.</span></li></ol><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ligatures:none;mso-fareast-language:EN-GB'>Explore the full schedule and learn more about each webinar on our <a href="https://afrinic.net/events/webinar-series" title="https://afrinic.net/events/webinar-series"><b><span style='color:blue'>Webinar Series Page</span></b></a>.</span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ligatures:none;mso-fareast-language:EN-GB'>Thank you for your continuous support. We look forward to having you join us for these insightful sessions!</span></p><div class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ligatures:none;mso-fareast-language:EN-GB'><hr size=0 width="100%" align=center></span></div><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ligatures:none;mso-fareast-language:EN-GB'>Kind Regards,</span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ligatures:none;mso-fareast-language:EN-GB'>AFRINIC Communications.</span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;mso-number-spacing:proportional'><o:p> </o:p></span></p></div></body></html>