About .zw domain
.zw is the country code top-level domain (ccTLD) for Zimbabwe, managed by the Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (POTRAZ). It was delegated on 6 November 1991. The registry operation is overseen by the Zimbabwe Internet Service Providers Association (ZISPA), which administers registrations at the third level under specific second-level categories.
Who can register .zw domain
Registrations are not available directly at the second level (like example.zw). Instead, entities must register under specific third-level domains, each managed by a different organization. For example, .co.zw for commercial entities is managed by ZISPA, .ac.zw for academic institutions is managed by the University of Zimbabwe Computer Centre, and .org.zw for non-profit organizations is managed by TelOne. There are no general geographic restrictions on who can register, but each sub-domain has its own intended use and policies.
How to register .zw domain
Registrations for .zw domains are not handled through a standard, open commercial registrar system. The process involves applying to the specific organization responsible for the desired second-level domain. For instance, to register a .co.zw name, one must submit an application to ZISPA, which reviews requests against its policies to prevent cybersquatting and ensure the applicant has a bona fide intent to use the domain. Applications for .ac.zw are handled by the University of Zimbabwe Computer Centre, and for .org.zw by TelOne. The outcome is a delegation under the relevant third-level domain rather than a typical commercial purchase.
Typical uses of .zw domain
The .zw extension is primarily used by entities connected to Zimbabwe. Commercial businesses and companies within the country commonly use .co.zw domains for their online presence. Academic institutions, such as universities and colleges, utilize .ac.zw, while non-governmental organizations and non-profits often register under .org.zw. Government and military departments operate websites under .gov.zw and .mil.zw respectively. Users choose these domains to establish a local identity and credibility within the Zimbabwean context.
Tips for registering .zw domain
- Registrations are made at the third level (e.g.,
example.co.zw) under specific second-level categories like .co.zw, .ac.zw, or .org.zw, each with its own managing entity.
- The .co.zw registry is not a purely "first come, first served" system; applications are reviewed and can be vetoed to prevent cybersquatting or infringement on known trademarks and organization names.
- Applicants for a .co.zw domain must demonstrate a bona fide intention to use the domain name regularly on the internet.
- Zimbabwean place names are reserved for use by the corresponding national or local government authority and cannot be registered by private entities.
Frequently asked questions about .zw domain
How much does it cost to register and renew a .zw domain?
As of today, .zw domains start from $75.00/yr on NameBeta, with prices ranging up to $75.00/yr across 1 registrars. See the registrar comparison table on this page for live prices.Which registrars support .zw domains?
NameBeta tracks 1 registrars that support .zw domain registration, with the cheapest option at $75.00/yr. Full list on this page.Who operates .zw domain?
The registry for .zw domains is POTRAZ, administered by Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (POTRAZ).
Who can register a .zw domain?
Registration eligibility depends on the specific second-level domain you target. For .co.zw, intended for commercial entities, applications are open but subject to ZISPA's review to ensure they do not infringe on trademarks or existing organization names. For .ac.zw, registration is restricted to verified academic institutions. For .org.zw, it is intended for non-profit organizations, though specific verification requirements are not clearly detailed in public policies.
Can I transfer a .zw domain between registrars?
The process for transferring a .zw domain between registrars is not standardised like with generic TLDs, as the registry is not an open commercial system. Domain management is tied to the specific administering organization (e.g., ZISPA for .co.zw). To change the responsible entity for a domain, you would likely need to contact the relevant registry administrator directly to follow their internal procedures, which may involve re-verification of eligibility.
What are the dispute resolution policies for .zw domains?
The registry for .co.zw actively works to prevent cybersquatting. Their policies state that the use or registration of a domain name must not interfere with or infringe the rights of any third party regarding trademarks, service marks, or other intellectual property. While a specific Uniform Domain-Name Dispute-Resolution Policy (UDRP) is not mentioned, the registry's veto power over applications serves as a preventative measure against bad-faith registrations.
Can I register a domain name that includes a Zimbabwean place name?
No, Zimbabwean place names are explicitly reserved for the use of the corresponding national or local government authority. The .co.zw registry will not allow private entities or individuals to register domain names that incorporate these place names, as part of their policy to prevent misrepresentation and ensure appropriate use.
Are there any content or usage requirements for .zw domains?
For .co.zw domains, the primary requirement is that the applicant must have a bona fide intention to use the domain name on a regular basis on the Internet. The registry's focus is on legitimate use rather than speculative holding. There is no widely published specific content policy, but the registry retains the right to veto registrations that do not align with their rules against cybersquatting and infringement.
