co.rw, org.rw, net.rw, ac.rw, coop.rw Explained

Rwanda's domain registryThe organization that operates a top-level domain and maintains the master database of its registrations., RICTA, administers the flagship .rw suffix alongside several second-level domains, each intended for a specific kind of organization. Here's what each one is for and what it takes to register.

co.rw for Businesses

co.rw is the standard suffix for commercial companies. It costs 9,000 RWF/yr and requires no eligibility documents. Any business can register one.

org.rw for Non-Profits

org.rw is intended for non-profits and organizations rather than commercial companies. It also costs 9,000 RWF/yr with no documents required.

net.rw for Network Operators

net.rw has historically been used by internet service providers and network infrastructure operators, though it's open to registration at the same 9,000 RWF/yr price with no documents required.

coop.rw for Cooperatives

coop.rw is reserved for cooperatives and costs 9,000 RWF/yr. Unlike co.rw, org.rw, and net.rw, it requires proof of cooperative registration during checkout.

ac.rw for Academic Institutions

ac.rw is reserved for accredited academic institutions. It costs 9,000 RWF/yr and requires proof of accredited academic institution status.

Which One Is Right for You?

If you're a general business, co.rw (or the flagship .rw itself) is the right starting point. If you fall into one of the eligibility-gated categories, cooperative or academic institution, use the matching suffix and have your supporting document ready at checkout.

Should You Register More Than One?

Registering both .rw and co.rw for the same business name is a common defensive move, not a requirement. The cost is modest, 15,000 plus 9,000 RWF/yr, and it prevents a competitor or an impersonator from later registering the suffix you didn't use. You don't need to build a second website on it; most businesses point one suffix at their live site and simply hold the other unused.

See the full pricing and eligibility table on our domains page, or read .rw Domain Pricing in Rwanda for a dedicated breakdown of every price.