FAQ Bouma Roots

Who is ICANN?

ICANN (Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers) regulates Internet extensions worldwide. It is an international non-profit organization that coordinates the global domain name system (DNS).

It ensures the stability, security and uniqueness of the Internet on a planetary scale. It is the one that issues extensions (.com, .org, .africa, etc.) and accredits registries (Registry) and registrars (Registrar).

ICANN therefore plays a key role in the global governance of the Internet, ensuring that each domain is unique and accessible, wherever you are in the world.

What is a gTLD?

A gTLD (generic top-level domain) is an Internet extension like ".org" or ".com". Bouma Roots will file Pan-African extensions with ICANN so that the peoples of the continent and diasporas can name, protect and develop their digital spaces.

What is a Registry?

A Registry (or registry) is an organization that manages an Internet extension. For example, the organization that manages ".org" is a registry. Bouma Roots will be the African Registry that will administer Pan-African extensions. These extensions will allow Africans and diasporas to have Internet addresses that resemble them.

Registries design and secure extensions. Registrars (GoDaddy, Namecheap...) distribute them to the public.

What is a DNS infrastructure?

DNS (Domain Name System) is like the global directory of the Internet. It allows linking a domain name (for example "boumaroots.org") to the digital address of a site. Without DNS, you would have to type series of numbers to access a web page.

Bouma Roots wants to create a Pan-African DNS infrastructure, that is, a solid and independent base that manages Pan-African domain names, their extensions and their security.

In summary: DNS is the invisible heart of the Internet, and Bouma Roots wants this heart to beat from Africa too.

Why is Bouma Roots submitting its application to ICANN?

The 2026 gTLD Program opens a new historical window for African actors to file their applications. Bouma Roots is actively preparing to participate. Bouma Roots' application will focus on Registry accreditation to erect a Pan-African DNS (Domain Name System) infrastructure. In other words, it is the operation of a limited portfolio of future Pan-African extensions, the exact identities of which remain confidential.

Why do Africa and its diasporas need a project like Bouma Roots?

Because the African continent must not only be a user of the Internet, but also a builder of its digital infrastructure.

Why 4 extensions instead of one?

Each extension embodies a specific dimension of Pan-African identity. The Bouma Roots portfolio combines entrepreneurial resilience, cultural symbolism, knowledge preservation to build a multilingual and Pan-African infrastructure. The four TLDs work in synergy to create an interoperable ecosystem.

How to support the Bouma Roots project?

The Bouma Roots project is a collective movement and a technological, cultural and economic adventure. Everyone can contribute at their level:

• Become a partner: participate in the construction of the registry.
• Provide institutional or financial support: through donations, technical partnerships or sponsorship.
• Make the project known: relay the initiative, share our publications and participate in information campaigns.
• Participate in reflection: academics, entrepreneurs, artists and engineers from the continent and diaspora are invited to make proposals for the Pan-African Digital Home.