AFRINIC Transfer process
AFRINIC IP Address Transfer
How it's done?
This policy allows for intraregional transfers only, and transfers due to mergers or acquisitions. For all transfers, the recipient must demonstrate a justified need for the addresses.
AFRINIC is alone among the regional registries in that it still has some addresses left in its free pool, and has no interregional transfer policy in place. For these reasons, there have been virtually no transfers here as of the start of 2021.
1> Buyer creates an AFRINIC Member Account
A Buyer wishing to receive AFRINIC IPv4 space should set up an AFRINIC member account through AFRNIC’s website.
2> Buyer and Seller negotiate sale under guidance of Broker
Under the guidance of the Broker, Buyer and Seller negotiate the price and terms of the IPv4 sale. In most cases, Buyer and Seller will execute an Asset Purchase Agreement codifying these terms. The Asset Purchase Agreement is a legally binding document that specifies when the Buyer is to fund escrow, and to which escrow agent, when the Seller is to initiate the transfer, and when the funds are to be released from escrow to the Seller. AFRINIC is not involved in this step although they are aware that money often changes hands when IPv4 space is transferred.
3> Buyer or Seller initiates a transfer request with AFRINIC
Either the Buyer or Seller may initiate a transfer request with AFRINIC, although it is generally done by the Seller. Sellers who are AFRINIC members will do this through their MyAFRINIC portal while nonmember Legacy holders can register and initiate transfers as well. Buyers must be registered AFRINIC members and if they purchase addresses from Legacy holders, those addresses will lose their Legacy status after transfer.
4> AFRINIC notifies Buyer of pending transfer request
AFRINIC notifies the Buyer (or the Seller in the case that the Buyer made the transfer request), that there is a pending request to transfer IPv4 space to (or from) their organization. AFRINIC asks the Buyer to confirm it wishes to receive the IPv4 space.
5> Buyer and Seller provides AFRINIC any requested information
An AFRINIC analyst will request from either Buyer or Seller if any additional information such as company registration documents is required.
6> Buyer and Seller sign Transfer Application
Both Buyer and Seller must sign an AFRINIC Transfer Application before the process is completed.
7> AFRINIC invoices Buyer for transfer fee
AFRINIC requires both the Buyer and Seller be up to date on their corresponding member registration fees (if the Seller is a nonmember Legacy holder no membership fee is required). Upon transfer approval, AFRINIC will invoice the Buyer for the transfer fee based on the size of the IPv4 space being transferred.
8> AFRINIC completes the transfer
AFRINIC updates Whois and the transfer is complete.
