The ZA Registry Consortium (ZARC) has reached a milestone of 1,5-million domain registrations across South Africa’s commercial .ZA second-level domains.
The milestone, spanning the .co.za, .org.za, .net.za and .web.za namespaces, reflects decades of sustained growth in South Africa’s local internet presence and reinforces the enduring role of .ZA domains in the country’s digital identity.
It also represents a significant achievement for the African domain name industry, positioning ZARC as the first African country-code domain ecosystem to reach the 1.5 million registration milestone.
From its early beginnings, the South African domain space has grown alongside the country’s digital transformation. ZARC’s heritage can be traced back to the establishment and administration of .co.za, with the organisation having been involved in the namespace since 1995. Today, the .ZA commercial namespace supports businesses, organisations, entrepreneurs, communities and individuals seeking a trusted and distinctly South African digital identity.
The journey to 1,5-million registrations is therefore about more than a number, it represents the growth, resilience and maturation of South Africa’s internet economy.
From early adoption to a mature digital ecosystem
When .co.za was first established, the Internet was still in its infancy and having a domain name was largely the preserve of early technology adopters and pioneering organisations. Over the decades, this has changed dramatically.
Today, a local domain is an integral part of the digital presence of businesses and organisations across sectors – from established enterprises and professional services firms to SMEs, entrepreneurs, non-profit organisations and emerging digital businesses.
The growth of the namespace mirrors the broader evolution of South Africa’s digital economy: from simply establishing a presence online, to using digital platforms to trade, communicate, build brands, serve customers and participate in the global economy.
According to an ICANN study of the African domain name industry, ZARC’s predecessor and current operations have played a significant role in the development of South Africa’s domain name ecosystem, with the organisation’s domain portfolio growing substantially over the years.
“This milestone is about much more than reaching a number. It is a reflection of the confidence that South Africans and organisations doing business in South Africa continue to place in .ZA as their digital home,” says Neil Dundas, CEO of ZARC.
“From the early days of .co.za to today’s increasingly connected digital economy, we have witnessed an extraordinary transformation in how people and businesses use the internet. Reaching 1.5 million active registrations demonstrates that the .ZA namespace has matured alongside that transformation. It is a milestone we can celebrate, but it is also a reminder of the responsibility we have to continue providing a secure, stable and reliable domain name infrastructure for the future.”
ZARC currently operates the four commercial, open second-level domains .co.za, .org.za, .net.za and .web.za, with a focus on security, reliability, technical excellence and supporting the continued growth of South Africa’s digital landscape.
Looking towards the next million
The 1,5-million milestone comes at a time when the Internet’s role continues to evolve. Businesses are increasingly digital-first, consumers expect always-on access to information and services, and an online presence has become fundamental to how organisations establish credibility and connect with their audiences.
For ZARC, the milestone is both a celebration of how far the .ZA namespace has come and an opportunity to look ahead.
The focus now is on continuing to strengthen the .ZA domain ecosystem, supporting registrars and industry partners, promoting digital skills and awareness, and ensuring that South Africa has the infrastructure required to support the next generation of internet users and businesses.
“The first 1,5-million registrations tell the story of where we have come from. The next phase is about where South Africa’s digital economy can go,” adds Lucky Masilela, co-CEO of ZARC. “We remain committed to working with our registrars, industry partners and the broader Internet community to ensure that .ZA continues to be a trusted, secure and accessible digital identity for South Africa.”