The ZA Central Registry (ZACR) has announced that a second phase of the .africa Pioneer Programme will open on 9 June and run until 23 June, allowing for more applications for preferred access to approved .africa domains prior to general availability from 4 July 2017.

"This programme and the interest it generated in the public and private sector really surpassed all of our expectations. It is for this reason that we are reactivating the Pioneer Programme for the month of June," said Lucky Masilela, CEO of ZACR.

Masilela explained that an approved .africa domain name would enable individuals and organisations to showcase their brand and their commitment to the continent while establishing a home for Africa-specific products and services.

According to ZACR the Pioneer Programme requires applicants to highlight key innovative qualities of their organisations, emphasising their relevance to Africa and their ability to harness the .africa domain to amplify their brand journey.

"The applications need to further outline plans to use the domain name to share Africa's message within the global village. Successful companies, non-profit organisations, bloggers, celebrities and governments joining the Pioneer Programme will be granted access to the .africa domain of their choosing," the organisation states.

According to recent reports, ZACR's landrush phase commenced on 5 June 2017 and trademark owners had until midnight on Friday 2 June 2017 to secure their .africa domain names, after which ZACR would not be able to guarantee availability.