Further to previous updates regarding the .africa domain extension, the launch dates of the various phases have been finalised as follows:

Sunrise Phase – 4 April 2017 to 2 June 2017

During this phase, trade mark holders with validated trade marks, either through the Mark Validation System (MVS) or the TradeMark Clearing House (TMCH), will be permitted to apply for domain names corresponding with their trade marks. Where there are competing applications during this stage, priority will be given to African trade mark registrations.

Landrush Phase – 5 June 2017 to 30 June 2017

This phase is aimed at the registration of premium and generic domain names for which applicants do not have validated trade marks. Any individual may apply for a domain name during this phase.

General Availability – 4 July 2017

Any individual may apply for a domain name during this phase.

If you are interested in validating your trade marks with the MVS or the TMCH and registering your trade marks in the new .africa extension, please contact your usual contact at Adams & Adams as soon as possible for further assistance.

by Kareema Shaik  | Senior Associate, Adams & Adams