GLOBELICS 2009, Dakar, Senegal

Free and Open Source Software (FOSS), to a large extent, transcends geographical and cultural boundaries to usher in a ‘new’ software development paradigm where volunteers collaboratively create software for the commons. As some of the early myths – it’s all about Linux and hackers, it’s not reliable, you can’t make money from software which is free, you can’t educate generations with FOSS methodology, organizations can’t rely on FOSS for their mission critical infrastructure, thousands of people with babbling agendas can’t make good software – are begin demystified, FOSS is making an impact and changing the way we develop, distribute, use, maintain, and support software. The global trend in the diffusion and adoption of FOSS is a testimony that something really interesting is happening and the opportunity to innovate is only limited by the extent to which one is willing to explore and utilize the benefits inherent in FOSS.

According to the African Economic Outlook, 2009 Report (AEO), Africa is making strides in technological and scientific development and innovation. The giant leap in ICT is driven by the availability of Bazaar of untapped ideas and talents, the motivation to experiment with new technologies, and the fact that nearly every African wants a “virtual handshake” – desire for integration, connectivity and reaching-out. During the past few years, we continue to witness ICT innovation across various sectors and in many countries throughout the African continent.

However, the contribution and participation of Africa on the FOSS global scene remains hidden and undocumented in many respects. This special session on “ICT Innovation and Entrepreneurship in Africa with Free and Open Source Software” looks at the move by individuals, educational institutions, public and private sectors, initiatives by Governments and NGOs, and FOSS projects around the continent. Discussants and presenters from experts in the domain will discuss the FOSS African landscape by exchanging ideas on the innovative aspect of FOSS, and look at what is specific to FOSS in the African context.

The session hopes to leverage expert contributions from a diverse and multidisciplinary audience to discuss various FOSS initiatives which can be used to promote inclusive and sustainable ICT growth in sub-Saharan Africa. The session wants to explore themes which can be used to drive technological change based of Free and open source software. Themes are not limited but may fall under the following major headings;

1. How can FOSS fuel ICT innovation in Africa?
2. Challenges, limitations, and possible solutions to FOSS-based innovation in Africa
3. Regional FOSS lessons, case studies, and initiatives
4. Sectoral (education, health, e-government, Agriculture) FOSS lessons and strategies, case studies, and initiatives which others can learn from.

Invited Speakers:

• Rishab A. Ghosh (TBC), Head of Collaborative Creativity Group (CCG), UNU-MERIT. Netherlands
• Dr. Katim S. Touray, FOSSFA council and Resource person FOSSWAY project of West Africa. The Gambia
• Silvia Aimasso, FOSSFA council and FOSSWAY Project Coordinator.
• Modou Fall, Centre de Calcul / Academie Régionale CISCO. Universite Cheikh Anta Diop. Senegal
• Ms. Alfelt M. Abio, Managing Director, Enigma Technologies and Gender in ICT activist. Kenya
• Ben Akoh, ICT Program Manager, Open Society Initiative for West Africa. Dakar, Senegal

You can post your comments here to further discuss and brainstorm the session themes or send comments and suggestions to the session chair: sowe@merit.unu.edu

Come and dance FOSS Mbalax with us!