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The .africa domain name launched its sunrise phase yesterday, allowing IP owners to apply for domain names matching their trademarks.
ICANN recently approved the launch plans after delegating the management of .africa to Registry Africa, a wholly-owned subsidiary of South-Africa based ZA Central Registry.
The sunrise phase will close on June 3.
This will be followed by the landrush phase, when anyone can apply for premium .africa domain names through auctions, has been confirmed for June.
General availability will begin on July 4, when the public can apply for .africa domain names.
Lucky Masilela, CEO of Registry Africa, said: “We are extremely grateful to the African Union Commission and the African public for their unwavering support throughout the long journey to launch .africa.”
He added that it was now time to “create the next chapter” in the .africa story as the registry focuses on making general availability a reality in July.
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