At present the management of the Internet is undertaken by ICANN, a non-profit corporation. ICANN coordinates the Internet systems for allocating addresses. The WSIS has now set up a Working Group on Internet Governance (WGIG) to discuss the role of ICANN and the way the Internet might be governed in the future.
A meeting of ICANN in Capetown gave an opportunity to discuss the future of Internet in Africa. The ICANN president Paul Twomey said in a press conference that ICANN had heard that Africa's primary concern was the creation of the infrastructure to enable access to the Internet.
"That's not our primary function at all," Twomey said. "But the functions ICANN helps coordinate ensure that when Africa does get online, Africa can access the rest of the Internet in a seamless way."
After the meeting the African Internet Providers issued a statement in support of ICANN.
Sources:
PR Newswire 6 Dec 2004 ICANN Annual Meeting
Computer Business Review Online ICANN claims success in African outreach
7 Dec 2004