Internet governance may sound abstract, but its consequences are concrete. Decisions made in global and multistakeholder forums increasingly affect domains, data access, online trust, security, and platform operations — all of which matter deeply to African businesses.
What Internet Governance Really Means
Internet governance refers to the policies, rules, and coordination mechanisms that shape how the internet operates. This includes:
- Domain name systems (DNS)
- Registration data and access rules
- Abuse mitigation frameworks
- Security and stability standards
Organizations like ICANN play a central role, alongside governments and regional bodies.
Why African Businesses Cannot Ignore It
Many African companies assume internet governance is a technical or Western concern. In reality:
- Global policy decisions increasingly influence local regulation
- African markets are affected even when businesses are not at the table
- Absence means others define the rules
Domains, platforms, fintech services, cloud providers, and infrastructure operators are all exposed.
Commercial Risks of Non-Engagement
When businesses fail to engage:
- Policy outcomes may increase compliance burdens
- Operational flexibility may be reduced
- Trust and safety obligations may expand unexpectedly
Engagement is not about lobbying — it is about ensuring commercial realities are understood.
Strategic Participation Without Overload
Not every business needs to attend every forum. What matters is informed, strategic engagement, supported by advisors who understand both technical policy processes and commercial priorities.
African businesses deserve a voice in shaping the internet they depend on.
📩 Request ICANN and multistakeholder advisory support from Heritech Consulting.