Abdelaziz Hilali Elected North African Representative to AFRINIC Board, Paving Way for Enhanced Regional Internet Governance
The recent election of Professor Abdelaziz Hilali to Board Seat 1 for North Africa at the AFRINIC Board elections marks a pivotal moment for Internet governance and digital development across the region. This significant appointment underscores AFRINIC’s unwavering commitment to robust regional representation and brings a wealth of expertise and leadership to its governing body. Professor Hilali’s designation is widely expected to strengthen North Africa’s voice within the broader African and global internet community, enabling a more focused approach to addressing the region’s unique challenges and fostering its digital growth and transformation.
A Distinguished Career in Internet Governance and ICT Leadership
Professor Hilali brings an exceptionally rich background to his new role as the North African representative on the AFRINIC Board. His academic foundation is robust, holding a doctorate in Computer Science and Applied Mathematics from the prestigious Université Joseph Fourier in Grenoble, France. Professionally, he has amassed extensive experience spanning higher education, cutting-edge information technologies, and crucially, the evolving field of Internet governance. As a revered professor at Morocco’s National Institute of Posts and Telecommunications (INPT), he has not only played a key role in shaping future generations of ICT professionals but has also held various key management positions, demonstrating strong leadership and administrative capabilities within the educational sector.
Beyond his institutional contributions, Professor Hilali’s influence extends widely within the global Internet community. He is notably a co-founder of ISOC Maroc, established in 1994, showcasing his early and sustained commitment to the internet’s open development and governance. His significant leadership roles include serving as president of the Mediterranean Federation of Internet Associations and formerly as president of AFRALO (African Regional At-Large Organization), which highlights his dedication to grassroots internet user representation and community building. Furthermore, his impactful tenure on the Multistakeholder Advisory Group (MAG) of the Internet Governance Forum (IGF) from 2009 to 2013 provided him with invaluable insights into global Internet policy discussions and the complexities of multistakeholder collaboration. This extensive and diverse track record positions him as a seasoned expert perfectly suited to represent North Africa’s critical interests within AFRINIC.
Professor Abdelaziz Hilali’s election is a profound testament to his significant contributions and deep expertise within the internet ecosystem. His comprehensive understanding of the technical, policy, and community aspects of internet governance will be instrumental in guiding AFRINIC’s strategic direction for North Africa. His leadership is anticipated to play a crucial role in advancing key regional priorities, fostering digital inclusion, and ensuring a stable, secure, and accessible internet environment across the diverse North African landscape. This appointment reinforces AFRINIC’s mandate and promises a vibrant and progressive future for internet development in the region under his experienced stewardship.
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