IPv4 transfers in the AFRINIC region
Africa and the Indian Ocean: the one registry whose address space cannot leave the region, and what that means for a deal.
AFRINIC covers Africa and parts of the Indian Ocean. It was the last of the five registries to reach IPv4 exhaustion, and it is the only one with no inter-RIR transfer policy: address space registered with AFRINIC can change hands inside the region but cannot move to RIPE NCC, ARIN, APNIC or LACNIC.
AFRINIC has also been through a prolonged period of governance and operational disruption, and how long a request takes depends on the state of the registry at the time. DCXV confirms the current processing situation before committing either side of a deal.
DCXV brokers intra-region AFRINIC transfers, and advises holders and buyers who were counting on moving space across a regional boundary that AFRINIC does not allow.
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What AFRINIC requires
- Both parties must be AFRINIC resource members, or work through one.
- The recipient must justify the need for the space under AFRINIC policy.
- Transfers are only permitted between organisations inside the AFRINIC service region.
- The smallest transferable block is a /24.
- No inter-RIR transfers, in either direction.
No inter-RIR transfers
Every other registry lets address space move in or out with a compatible counterpart. AFRINIC does not: no inter-RIR transfer policy has been adopted, so a European or American buyer cannot take AFRINIC space into their own registry, and an African holder cannot sell to one.
The practical consequence is a closed market. Sellers in the region are limited to buyers in the region, and a buyer who needs space for use outside Africa should source it in the registry that covers where the space will actually be used.
The transfer procedure
- Both organisations confirm AFRINIC membership and standing.
- The recipient submits the needs justification to AFRINIC.
- Escrow opens once buyer and seller agree terms.
- The source holder authorises the transfer with AFRINIC.
- AFRINIC records the transfer.
- Escrow releases the funds.
Questions and answers
Frequently asked questions
Can AFRINIC space be transferred to Europe or North America?
No. AFRINIC has no inter-RIR transfer policy, so its address space can only change hands inside the AFRINIC service region.
Does AFRINIC require a needs justification?
Yes. The recipient must show planned use of the space under AFRINIC policy.
How long does an AFRINIC transfer take?
It depends on the registry's operational state at the time, which has varied considerably in recent years. We check before quoting a timeline rather than promising one.
I need space for use in Africa - where should I buy?
In the AFRINIC region, from a holder inside it. Space bought in another registry cannot be moved into AFRINIC either.
If you require assistance or have additional questions, please contact the managers or write to the support team at support@dcxv.com