In a landmark moment for Africa’s growing presence on the global digital stage, Segunfunmi Olajide, a renowned IT consultant and internet governance policy expert, officially began his tenure as Vice Chair for Policy Coordination at the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) Business Constituency (BC) on January 1, 2025.
This historic appointment makes Olajide the first African to hold this prestigious position since the BC’s establishment in 1998.
Olajide’s leadership represents a significant stride towards inclusivity and ensuring African voices are well-represented in global internet governance discussions. With a focus on shaping policies that benefit businesses worldwide, his role is pivotal within ICANN’s multi-stakeholder governance framework.
Sharing his thoughts on this milestone, Olajide remarked:
“This is a proud and humbling moment, not just for me but for the entire African business community. It’s an opportunity to show the world what Africa brings to the table in tech and innovation. My focus will be on advocating policies that empower businesses of all sizes to succeed in a safe, open, and inclusive internet space.”
The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN), headquartered in the United States, is a global non-profit organization tasked with coordinating the Domain Name System (DNS) to ensure the stable and secure functioning of the internet. ICANN plays a critical role in managing internet protocols, domain names, and IP addresses, supporting a unified global internet.
Within ICANN, the Business Constituency (BC) represents businesses that leverage the internet for commerce, communication, and growth. The BC advocates for policies that ensure the security, stability, and openness of the internet while fostering an environment for innovation and trade.
With extensive experience in software consultancy, internet governance, policy advocacy, and digital transformation, Olajide brings a wealth of knowledge to this role. As the head of Heritech Consulting, he has supported numerous businesses across Nigeria and Africa in navigating complex regulatory landscapes. His dedication to raising awareness about strong internet policies has made him a prominent figure in equipping startups for success.
Earlier in his career, Olajide served as a Google Student Ambassador from 2014 to 2015, during which his outstanding contributions earned him the title of “Most Ambitious Ambassador” in Sub-Saharan Africa from Google.
Recognizing the value of partnerships, Olajide commends organizations such as the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), and the Nigeria Internet Registration Association (NIRA) for their efforts in improving Nigeria’s digital landscape. He advocates for continued collaboration among private sector players, government agencies, and civil society to co-create solutions for a secure, innovative, and inclusive internet ecosystem.
“The internet is a shared resource that must be governed responsibly to benefit all. Together, we can ensure that African businesses thrive, innovations are protected, and the digital economy is strengthened for future generations,”Olajide emphasized.
As Vice Chair for Policy Coordination, Olajide is committed to championing key internet governance issues, including cybersecurity, intellectual property protection, and digital inclusivity. He aims to address critical challenges, such as bridging the digital divide, enhancing cybersecurity awareness, and supporting cross-border e-commerce, ultimately paving the way for African businesses to flourish in the global digital economy.
With his appointment, Olajide not only breaks barriers but also sets a new benchmark for African participation and leadership in the global tech space, inspiring a generation to redefine the continent’s digital future.
