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.
The Pioneer & Founder
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 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.
Africa has lost one of its Internet pioneers. The global Internet community has lost a respected steward. AFRINIC has lost one of its builders.
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.
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 AdedokunChairmanAFRINIC Board of Directors