She said there was concern from governments that a ".africa" domain could jeopardize the existing ccTLDs.

CNN: Scramble for 'dot africa' internet domain name

Very few of the more than 220 ccTLDs are governmental entities, according to Semich.

CNN: Groups protest ICANN plans

"But I can assure you, if there is no '.africa', I don't think there will be any more uptake of the ccTLDs, " she said.

CNN: Scramble for 'dot africa' internet domain name

The current ccTLDs fear that, under the revised bylaws, governmental bodies could apply to become registries and knock most of the current ccTLDs out of business.

CNN: Groups protest ICANN plans

Meanwhile, a group of administrators for ccTLDs has banded together in an effort to preserve an existing set of policies governing the management of their country-specific domain names.

CNN: Groups protest ICANN plans