AFRINIC Appoints New Leadership: Prof. Adedokun Named Board Chairman
The African Network Information Centre (AFRINIC) has announced new leadership appointments, with Professor Adewale Adedokun taking the helm as Board Chairman and Professor Aziz Hilali serving as Vice-Chairman. The appointments follow board elections conducted on September 12, 2025.
In a significant leadership transition, AFRINIC’s board confirmed these appointments while acknowledging the delay in the announcement. The organization emphasized its commitment to maintaining operational stability during the transition period, working closely with Receiver Mr. Gowtamsingh Dabee.
The new Chairman, Professor Adewale Adedokun, brings substantial credentials to his role as the Director of the Iya Abubakar Institute of Information and Communication Technology at Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, Nigeria, where he serves as a Professor of Computer Engineering.
The newly constituted board includes eight directors representing various African regions:
– Emmanuel Adewale Adedokun (Western Africa, Chairman)
– Abdelaziz Hilali (Northern Africa, Vice Chairman)
– Kaleem Ahmed Usmani
– Prof. Kayemba Laurent Ntumba (Central Africa)
– Carla Sanderson (Southern Africa)
– Fiona Asonga (Eastern Africa)
– Benjamin Mark Roberts (Non-regional)
– Ajao Adewole David (Non-regional)
In his acceptance statement, Chairman Adedokun emphasized the board’s commitment to renewal and unity: “After a period of challenge, the AFRINIC community has spoken clearly, electing a Board with a mandate for renewal and unity. My primary focus, alongside Professor Hilali, is to provide steady and reliable leadership that restores confidence and fosters cohesion.”
Vice-Chairman Hilali reinforced this message, stating: “Will work diligently to ensure the organisation operates with transparency and efficiency, focusing squarely on its core duty: the secure and equitable distribution of Internet number resources that power the digital economy across our region.”
The organization released an official statement expressing gratitude to its members and stakeholders for their continued support, highlighting the importance of community engagement in strengthening AFRINIC’s role in the African Internet ecosystem. Industry observers view this leadership change as a potential catalyst for enhanced transparency and community-focused governance in the organization.
