ICANN holds outreach for Nigerian internet community Nov. 4

Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) is set to host a special outreach designed to mobilise the Nigerian internet community and inspire new opportunities in domain name ownership.

Mr Lawrence Olawale-Roberts, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of MicroBoss, the local host for the event, said that the event would hold on Nov. 4 at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Victoria Island, Lagos.

Olawale-Roberts told the newsmen on Thursday in Lagos that the event would be available for both in-person and virtual attendees.

“This initiative aligns with ICANN’s mission to support and empower local entities in expanding their digital presence through the New gTLD Next Round Programme.

“The event offers an invaluable opportunity for Nigeria’s commercial and non-commercial entities, including financial institutions, technology start-ups, and community organisations.

“Participants will learn how they can establish a unique digital identity by acquiring a top-level domain (TLD).

“This initiative will not only bolster Nigeria’s online presence but also open doors for economic growth, innovation, and public engagement on a global scale,” he said.

According to him, the event will be empowering local innovation and growth with New Generic Top-Level Domains (gTLDs).

Olawale-Roberts said that the highlights of the event include: comprehensive overview and insights into the application process, types of entities eligible for support, and the different types of financial and non-financial supports.

“Participants will be exposed to Applicant Support Program (ASP). With the ASP, ICANN offers financial assistance, including a rebate of up to $200,000 on application fees, helping reduce barriers for eligible applicants.

“The event will afford networking opportunities, facilitate direct engagement with ICANN representatives and provide opportunities to collaborate with fellow participants on effective strategies for outreach and awareness.

“While Nigerian organisations should consider a Top-Level Domain, the acquisition of a gTLD presents a unique chance for them to enhance their global digital footprint, foster local innovation and promote greater diversity in the digital space,” he said.

Olawale-Roberts gave another key benefit of the outreach as economic growth, noting that a dedicated TLD could amplify visibility, attract international partnerships and drive revenue, especially for indigenous companies, financial institutions and emerging startups.

He said that the event would be for executives, ICT managers and digital strategists from banks, fintechs, telecom companies and non-commercial organisations.

“To register, visit https://tinyurl.com/ICANNNG to reserve your spot, or visit ICANN’s engagement calendar at ICANN Engagement Calendar for more details,” he said..

Supreme News reports that ICANN is a global non-profit organisation established in 1998, with headquarters in Los Angeles, United States of America.

According to the managing director, ICANN plays a vital role in overseeing the policies and practices that allow the internet to function as an open and globally-unified network as a leading global organisation dedicated to maintaining the security, stability and interoperability of the internet.

“ICANN facilitates crucial discussions and programmes to support digital expansion worldwide.

“This outreach initiative is part of ICANN’s mission to enable local internet communities to actively participate in shaping a more inclusive and diverse digital world,” he said.

Olawale-Roberts described MicroBoss as a prominent African technology solutions provider and internet service company based in Nigeria.

He said that the organisation was founded with a focus on expanding the African digital landscape, offering a broad range of ICT solutions, including network infrastructure, domain services and cyber-security.

“By 2028, MicroBoss aims to support two million new domain users and provide resources to help local firms, professionals and entrepreneurs establish an online presence through subsidised domain and hosting services.

“MicroBoss is also committed to developing Nigeria’s digital workforce and expanding the DNS market in Africa by offering training and consultancy services”, he said.