Former AFRINIC CEO joins ICANN to aid global outreach

Akplogan headed AFRINIC, Africa's Regional Internet Registry, from its creation in 2005. His role as AFRINIC CEO ended at the end of last month, and he is expected to start work at ICANN (Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers) on March 1st. He will be based in Montreal, Canada.

"We are all striving to maintain and improve a global communication and information system that will define our future on multiple levels," said Akplogan, in a statement issued by ICANN.

The U.S. is ceding control over ICANN. The contract between the Commerce Department and ICANN is due to expire this year, and under international pressure, the U.S. has declared that it will not renew it. ICANN manages the Internet's global Domain Name System,

In its efforts to become more international, ICANN has hired vice presidents to spearhead operations in various regions. Out of the 17 vice presidents at ICANN, three come from Africa. In addition to Akplogan, the other two are Anne-Rachel Inne, VP of government engagement and Pierre Dandjinou, VP for Africa.

Akplogan has been active within ICANN's technical bodies. In his role as AFRINIC CEO, Akplogan was instrumental in the formation of the region's technical bodies, such as the Africa Network Operators Group (AfNOG), the African ccTLD Organization (AfTLD), AfricaCERT and the Africa Internet Summit (AIS).