About .africa domain
.africa is a sponsored generic top-level domain (gTLD) operated by Registry.Africa. It was delegated in February 2017 and became publicly available in July 2017. The TLD was established with the endorsement of the African Union Commission to serve as a dedicated namespace for the continent. The registry agreement was signed with ICANN in March 2014, following a complex application and delegation process.
Who can register .africa domain
Registration for a .africa domain is open to individuals, businesses, and organizations worldwide. There are no geographic, organizational, or trademark-based restrictions on who can register. The namespace is intended for anyone who wishes to showcase a brand or commitment associated with the African continent. No special verification or documentation is required beyond the standard registrar processes.
How to register .africa domain
- Search for your desired .africa domain name using a domain registrar's availability checker to see if it is unregistered. It's wise to check for potential trademark conflicts if you plan to use the name commercially.
- Compare prices, registration terms, and add-on services like WHOIS privacy or email hosting across accredited registrars. The TLD is sold through a global network of over 70 registrars, so shopping around is recommended.
- Complete the checkout process with your chosen registrar, providing accurate registrant contact information and selecting your desired registration period, which is typically one year or more.
- Verify your contact email address as required by ICANN policy and then configure your domain's DNS settings, such as nameservers, to point to your website or email service.
Typical uses of .africa domain
The .africa extension is commonly used by businesses, organizations, and individuals aiming to establish a digital identity connected to the African continent. Companies use it to signal their market focus or regional headquarters, while cultural projects, NGOs, and tourism boards adopt it to highlight their African scope or origin. It serves as an alternative to generic TLDs like .com for entities wanting to emphasize their pan-African vision, regional influence, or commitment to the continent's digital landscape.
Tips for registering .africa domain
- Domains are registered on an annual basis, with the standard minimum term being one year; you can often register for multiple years upfront.
- WHOIS privacy protection services are generally available through accredited registrars for this open TLD, allowing you to shield personal contact details from the public WHOIS database.
- The TLD is subject to standard ICANN transfer policies, meaning domains are typically locked for 60 days after registration or a previous transfer before they can be moved to another registrar.
- Be aware of the standard redemption grace period; if a domain expires and is deleted, there is a limited window to restore it for an additional fee before it becomes available for public registration again.
Frequently asked questions about .africa domain
How much does it cost to register and renew a .africa domain?
As of today, .africa domains start from $10.98/yr on NameBeta, with prices ranging up to $111.75/yr across 13 registrars. See the registrar comparison table on this page for live prices.Which registrars support .africa domains?
NameBeta tracks 13 registrars that support .africa domain registration, with the cheapest option at $10.98/yr. Full list on this page.Who operates .africa domain?
The registry for .africa domains is ZA Central Registry NPC trading as Registry.Africa.
Who can register a .africa domain?
Anyone globally can register a .africa domain, as there are no eligibility restrictions based on location or organization type. This makes it accessible for international businesses, diaspora communities, and individuals outside the continent who want to connect with an African audience. The registry promotes it as a namespace for showcasing commitment to Africa, so registrants should consider the relevance of their use to the TLD's intended purpose.
Can I transfer a .africa domain between registrars?
Transferring a .africa domain follows the standard ICANN inter-registrar transfer policy. You initiate the transfer by obtaining an authorization code from your current registrar and submitting a transfer request at the gaining registrar. The domain must be unlocked and not within the 60-day transfer lock period following its initial registration or a previous transfer. The registration period will typically extend by one year upon a successful transfer.
Is there a Sunrise or Trademark Claims period for .africa?
The .africa TLD had a Sunrise period for trademark holders prior to its public launch, allowing them to secure domains matching their registered marks. A subsequent Trademark Claims service provided ongoing notifications to trademark holders when someone attempted to register a matching domain. While these launch phases are concluded, trademark disputes are now handled through standard policies like the Uniform Domain-Name Dispute-Resolution Policy (UDRP).
Are there any content restrictions for .africa websites?
The .africa registry agreement does not impose specific content restrictions beyond those required by ICANN and applicable law. Registrants must comply with the registry's acceptable use policies, which prohibit illegal or abusive activities. The registry reserves standard rights to suspend a domain if it is used for purposes like phishing, malware distribution, or other activities that threaten the security and stability of the DNS.
Can I register premium .africa domain names?
Yes, Registry.Africa designates certain domain names as "premium." These names may have higher registration, renewal, and transfer prices set directly by the registry. Premium names are often short, generic, or highly desirable keywords. Pricing and availability for premium names vary by registrar, so you will need to check with individual registrars for specific costs and purchase options.
