We were deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Alan Barrett, a long-time friend, colleague, mentor, and one of the builders of the Internet in Africa.
For more than three decades, Alan played a foundational role in shaping the Internet in Africa and beyond. In 1990, he helped establish the first Internet connection to South African universities, and in 1993, he co-founded the country’s first commercial Internet service provider.
He later became one of the key architects behind the African Network Information Centre (AFRINIC)—the regional Internet registry serving Africa and the Indian Ocean region—co-authoring the proposal for its creation in 1997, serving on its board from 2004 to 2009, and leading the organization as CEO from 2015 to 2019.
Alan also contributed globally through his work with the Number Resource Organization (NRO) Number Council, the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA) Stewardship Transition Coordination Group, and as a member of the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) Board representing the Address Supporting Organization until his passing.
But beyond the titles and accomplishments, many of us will remember Alan for the person he was.
Alan was never the loudest person in the room. He did not seek attention or recognition. Yet whenever there was important work to be done, Alan was always there. Calm, thoughtful, reliable, and deeply committed to the Internet community, he contributed through action rather than words.
Many of us had the privilege of working alongside Alan for more than two decades through the African Network Operations Group (AFNOG), AFRINIC, Internet Society, and many other community initiatives.
Alan was a long-time trainer at AFNOG, where he helped build technical capacity and mentored generations of network engineers and Internet professionals across Africa. Countless members of the African Internet community benefited from his knowledge, patience, and willingness to support others.
Alan was also a strong supporter of the Internet Society’s work for three decades, as he was a leader of the early INET workshops in the 1990s. While he was CEO of AFRINIC, thanks to his support, he helped Internet Society strengthen its technical capacity building globally.
This was typical of Alan. He enabled others to succeed. He believed in community, collaboration, and the importance of building lasting institutions for the benefit of everyone.
Alan’s passing is a tremendous loss for the Internet community in Africa and around the world. He will be sorely missed by colleagues, friends, and all those whose lives and careers he touched over the years.
Our thoughts are with his wife Kerry, his relatives, friends, and the broader Internet community during this difficult time.
Thank you, Alan, for everything you gave to the African Internet community and to the global Internet. Your legacy will continue through the countless people and institutions you helped build.
Rest in peace.
Image © Christopher S. (CS Visuals)