South African telecom veteran Mike Silber appointed AFRINIC CEO designate

Cape Town – South African telecommunications and internet governance veteran Mike Silber has been appointed CEO designate of the African Network Information Centre (AFRINIC), in a move aimed at restoring stability and strengthening governance at Africa’s regional internet registry.

According to MyBroadband, AFRINIC’s board announced Silber’s appointment with the consent of the Receiver appointed to administer the organisation.

Silber will assume office on 1 January 2027.

AFRINIC said the appointment followed a “rigorous, in-depth recruitment process” conducted by its CEO Search Committee, following an initiative by the Receiver and the board.

“Silber’s appointment reflects AFRINIC’s commitment to securing leadership capable of ensuring institutional renewal and stabilisation,” the organisation said.

AFRINIC is the Regional Internet Registry responsible for managing and distributing internet number resources, including IP addresses and autonomous system numbers, across the African continent.

The appointment comes as the organisation continues efforts to strengthen its governance structures following a prolonged period of institutional and legal challenges.

Silber brings extensive telecommunications experience

Silber currently serves as Group Executive: Regulatory Affairs at MTN Group, where he oversees regulatory matters for a telecommunications group serving more than 300 million customers across Africa.

MTN Group announced his appointment as Group Executive Regulatory in March 2024, effective 1 April that year. He joined MTN from Liquid Telecom, where he had served as Group Chief Regulatory Officer for five years.

MTN said Silber brought more than 25 years of experience in the telecommunications and internet sectors, with expertise spanning legal, regulatory and policy matters.

Before joining MTN, Silber also served as Chief Administrative Officer at Africa Data Centres.

His experience extends into global internet governance. He has served on the board of the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) and as vice-chair of the Address Supporting Organization Address Council.

ICANN’s annual reports record Silber’s involvement in the organisation’s internet governance structures, including his service as an ASO Address Council vice-chair.

AFRINIC said Silber has also engaged with the International Telecommunication Union, the European Union and the African Union, as well as national regulators across several jurisdictions.

“He has served on the boards of the .ZA Domain Name Authority, ISPA South Africa, and other industry bodies,” AFRINIC said, according to MyBroadband.

The organisation added that Silber continues to serve as a director and chair of the Audit Committee of the Public Interest Registry, as well as a director of TENET South Africa.

AFRINIC said Silber is an Attorney of the High Court of South Africa and is widely recognised for his expertise in internet and e-commerce law and the broader regulation of technology, media and telecommunications.

AFRINIC faces governance challenges

Silber’s appointment comes against the backdrop of ongoing efforts by AFRINIC to rebuild and strengthen its governance structures.

AFRINIC’s official news and announcements archive shows that the organisation has been undertaking a number of governance-related initiatives in 2026.

These include the establishment of a Governance Committee in August, the continuation of a review of its Constitution and bylaws, and the holding of board and governance elections.

AFRINIC’s official Governance Committee page also records Silber’s previous involvement in the organisation’s governance structures. It lists him as a board-appointed member of the Governance Committee for the period January 2017 to December 2018.

The organisation has also been dealing with legal and administrative issues that led to the appointment of a Receiver.

ICANN has previously reported on the AFRINIC situation and the appointment of a Receiver, while calling for transparency and stability in the organisation’s governance processes.

This background makes Silber’s combination of legal, regulatory and internet-governance experience particularly relevant to his incoming role.

Focus on stability and trust

AFRINIC said Silber would be expected to prioritise restoring operational stability, strengthening transparent and accountable governance and rebuilding trust with members.

“In appointing Mr Silber, the AFRINIC Board has placed its confidence in a leader who is a seasoned professional,” the organisation said.

“He combines deep technical and legal expertise with a well-informed understanding of AFRINIC’s specific challenges.”

The new CEO designate will also be expected to focus on service delivery, outstanding legal matters and strengthening AFRINIC’s institutional capacity.

“With this appointment, the Board is looking forward to a renewed focus on service delivery, resolving AFRINIC’s outstanding legal matters, and strengthening institutional capacity for the region’s long-term benefit,” AFRINIC said.

The board, however, stressed that restoring AFRINIC would not be the responsibility of Silber or the board alone.

“The Board calls on members, staff, partners, and the wider African Internet community to extend their full support and collaboration to Mr Silber as he prepares to take this role,” it said.

“AFRINIC’s mission depends on the collective commitment of all stakeholders who share a belief in a stable, trusted, and community-driven AFRINIC.”

Silber’s appointment places an experienced South African telecommunications and internet governance figure at the centre of AFRINIC’s efforts to rebuild its institutional capacity and restore confidence among its members and the wider African internet community.

AFRINIC said its core mission remained to serve as a responsible and effective steward of internet number resources for Africa.