By MTHULISI SIBANDA
JOHANNESBURG, (CAJ News) – SOUTH Africans can now register dotAfrica (.africa) domain names in their own currency after the country’s accredited registrar unveiled its pricing in Rand.Standard domain names are R350 (US$26), thereafter, the annual domain renewal fee will be R250 per annum at Domains.co.za.
The .africa generic Top Level Domain (gTLD) was released during the General Availability Phase on a first-come, first-served basis to the general public early July but until now, the pricing from the registry has been considered costly.However, costs have dropped and .Africa domains are now see as more affordable for small and medium enterprises seeking to purchase and use .africa domains and grow their businesses into African markets.
Wayne Diamond, Chief Executive Officer of Domains.co.za, said as most countries in Africa did not have automated domain registration systems, domain registrations usually defaulted to the international .com TLD which is United States-based.
He said the new .africa gTLD was designed to promote the continent’s entrepreneurial spirit going forward and enhance the economic community of Africa and support its growth.
With Africa touted as the world’s fastest growing economic marketplace,future business growth should be aimed firmly at this promising continent, the executive said.
He said business eager to positively impact the African marketplace could now engage from a domain name foundation that advertises their patriotic stance by registering their company, brand or trademark with a .Africa domain name.
“.africa now gives us an opportunity to encourage not only South African, but other African countries’ business owners to unite under one ‘continental-brand’ domain (.Africa) and lead the drive toward stating Africa’s economic standpoint to the rest of the world,” Diamond said.
He said securing one’s chosen .africa domain as soon as possible was also the best way of preventing intellectual property disputes and potential attempts at online fraud.Hailed as a “truly African initiative established by Africans for Africa and the world”, .africa is anticipated to bring the continent together as an internet community under one umbrella allowing e-commerce, technology and infrastructure to flourish.
– CAJ News