Africa is soon set to launch its unique domain name - and the ZA Central Registry (ZACR) has unveiled its launch programme for new domain name registrations.
From 1 May, the ZACR says people will be able to apply for domain names ending in .africa, following the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers' (ICANN's) registry agreement to grant the continent its own geographic top-level domain (gTLD).
Three new city domain names - .capetown, .durban and .joburg - will also be open for applications at the same time.
According to the ZACR, "the conclusion of the agreement is both a historic and significant event, as this is the first ever registry agreement concluded between ICANN and an African registry operator".
New domain name applicants will be required to approach registrars before domain names can be allocated, the ZACR says.
The local registry operator was chosen in 2012 by the African Union to lead the continent's bid for a gTLD and the forthcoming launch will consist of a new application process.
Registration periods
The ZACR says its launch programme will consist of two registration periods that will run concurrently from 1 May, allowing brand owners and businesses to submit applications for domain names.
The "Sunrise" period will last 90 days and allows both organisations and individuals to approach registrars and apply for the new domain names.
Meanwhile, the "Landrush" period will run for 120 days and allows people to apply for highly sought-after domain names like "travel.africa" or "jobs.africa".
Applications based on what the ZACR calls "priority rights" such as businesses, trademarks or company names will need to validate those rights through a trademark clearinghouse or through the local mark validation system.
"At the conclusion of the launch phase, all domain name applications will be assessed and allocated according to a pre-determined priority system," says the ZACR.
'Destination marketing'
Speaking to ITWeb in October, Vika Mpisane, GM of the ZA Domain Name Authority, said having city names such as Joburg and Cape Town as top-level domains allows for destination marketing by creating awareness through Web sites and e-mail addresses.
Government would also submit a list of domain names which would be restricted for the public, including those related to heritage or cultural identities.
The list of restricted names has yet to be finalised.
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