In Memoriam of Alan Barrett, former CEO of AFRINIC, one of its founders and
among the pioneers of the African Internet
It is with profound sadness and deep emotion that AFRINIC has learned of the
passing of Alan Barrett, former Chief Executive Officer of AFRINIC, this
Thursday, 28 May 2026, in Cape Town, South Africa.
Today, the African Internet community mourns not only a remarkable Internet
pioneer but also one of the architects of Africa’s digital future. Through his
vision, wisdom, humility, and lifelong dedication, Alan helped shape the
growth, stability, governance, and global recognition of the Internet in Africa
and beyond.
Alan Barrett was a distinguished South African Internet engineer and a
respected global Internet governance leader. His contributions date back to the
earliest years of Internet connectivity on the continent. He was among the
engineers involved in establishing the first Internet connection for South
African universities in the early 1990s, and in 1993, he co-founded South
Africa’s first commercial Internet Service Provider, then known as TICSA and
later as Internet Africa and UUNET South Africa.
For AFRINIC, Alan was far more than one of our past Chief Executive Officers.
He was one of the founding minds behind the very idea of creating an African
Regional Internet Registry. In 1997, he co-authored the historic proposal that
led to the creation of AFRINIC and served on the steering committee entrusted
with turning that vision into reality. Alan served as one of the AFRINIC PDWG
Co-Chairs, playing an important role in facilitating and guiding policy
discussions within the AFRINIC community.
His commitment to AFRINIC continued through every stage of the organisation’s
development. He served on AFRINIC’s first Board from 2001 to 2009, helping
guide the institution during its formative years. He also represented AFRINIC
and the African Internet numbers community through the Number Resource
Organisation Number Council, later the ASO Address Council, from 2004 to 2014,
contributing to the coordination and stewardship of Internet number resources
worldwide.
In April 2015, Alan was appointed Chief Executive Officer of AFRINIC, a
position he held until 2019. During his tenure, he championed openness,
transparency, accountability, inclusive multistakeholder participation, and
community-driven policy development. His leadership reflected integrity, calm
determination, technical excellence, and an unwavering commitment to serving
the public interest.
Beyond AFRINIC, Alan remained an influential and respected figure in the global
Internet ecosystem. He played an important role in the IANA Stewardship
Transition Coordination Group. In 2021, he was appointed as a member of the
ICANN Board, a position he held until his passing.
Alan’s legacy transcends institutions, building networks and titles. His
contributions are woven into the history of AFRINIC, into the development of
Africa and the global Internet infrastructure, and into our staff who have
worked under his leadership and know the person he was behind the public
figure. Beyond his exceptional professional accomplishments, many across the
African and international Internet community, and AFRINIC will remember Alan
for his humility, generosity, quiet wisdom, kindness, and willingness to mentor
and support others. He was a thoughtful listener, a trusted colleague, someone
who would not hesitate to put his hands in the cables and get the work done
with the team. He inspired generations of engineers, policymakers, and
community leaders through both his expertise and his humanity.
On behalf of the AFRINIC Board, Management, Staff, Members, and the wider
African Internet community, AFRINIC extends its deepest condolences to Kerry,
the Barrett family, Alan’s loved ones, friends, colleagues, and all those
around the world who had the privilege of working alongside him.
Africa has lost one of its Internet pioneers. The global Internet community has
lost a respected steward. AFRINIC has lost one of its builders.
Alan Barrett leaves behind a lasting legacy that will not be forgotten. May his
soul rest in peace, and may his work continue to inspire future generations
committed to building a stronger, more inclusive, and more resilient Internet
for Africa and the world.
Prof Emmanuel Adewale Adedokun
Chairman
AFRINIC Board of Directors
_______________________________________________
Announce mailing list
[email protected]
https://lists.afrinic.net/mailman/listinfo/announce
