Open Source and Free Software for eGovernment

1. Open SourceandFree SoftwareforeGovernment ‘Gbenga SesanAfrican Youth focal point for FOSSFA, NigeriaNigeria’s Information Technology Youth Ambassador www.fossfa.org |me@gbengasesan.com| www.gbengasesan.com Mobilising ICT Applications and Projects for Effective Corporate, National and Regional DevelopmentThe Fifth Annual African Computing & Telecommunications SummitAbuja, NIGERIA. 27 August 2003.

2. OVERVIEW • eGovernment and Africa’s Response • Open Source and Free Software in eGovernment • It’s NOT Just About “TALKS” • Building Capacity for Sustainability

3. eGovernment and Africa’s Response • Governance has always been connected to the “drivers” of the economy of the day (and the New Economy is driven by ICTs) • Efficiency of governance is strongly influenced by the medium of delivery • Globally, governments are looking at better ways of meeting the people’s needs and Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) are proving to be dynamic tools in governance • Governance structures and models are aligning with the expectations and “atmosphere” of the 21st century. Governance processes are electronically enabled – in phases. E.g. government records, taxes, getting feedback from community, information dissemination, data/information gathering, elections, administration, etc • Some African governments are responding to eGovernment with web presence, I(C)T policies and other actionable steps • As at 2002, only 3* countries had no web presence. 2* had “affiliated” (diplomatic missions) web presence and others had between 1 and 138 websites (www.uneca.org/aisi/nici/africagovinternet.htm) 3* (Guinea, Guinea Bissau and Somalia) 2* (Libya and Democratic republic of Congo)

4. Open Source and Free Software in eGovernment • Among the many considerations for effective governance, issues such as COST and ACCESS have always been “top priority”. Enthusiasts and experts highlight these two promises (cost and access) in the adoption of Open Source and Free Software in eGovernment • Global trends reveal that Open Source and Free Software are highly considered as alternatives to proprietary software. Examples include: • Rhode Island’s efforts in employing open source LAMP (Linux operating system, Apache web server, MySQL database and PHP, Perl or Python as programming language) as a technology development model (eGov Links website, www.egovlinks.com) • “Texas state Sen. John Corona introduced Bill SB 1579, which would enable the state to consider open source technology in its software procurements” (eWeek reports) • “EGOVOS endorses South Africa’s Open Source strategy” (www.egovos.org/SouthAfricanStrategy.html) • “NITDA hosted the African workshop on open source and web technologies for development … in order to reduce the costs of software implementations to optimise the limited bandwidth available in developing countries and adapt applications to local needs” (www.nitda.org/events/wkshop/oswtd/workshop.php)

5. It’s NOT Just About “TALKS” • African governments must go beyond receiving “seminar reports” and take action with respect to the use of open source and free software in eGovernment • Specific areas (among others) to consider are: • Commitment: Statements and Policies will go a long way in providing the adequate “environment” • Procurement: A level filed should exist and selection should be made based on technical proficiency, without sentiments • Process Management: An organisation or specialised agency should be responsible to the government (without the usual bureaucratic bottle-necks) • Implementation: Phased implementation will prevent the “cash now and crash later” model that has bedeviled African government contracts • Capacity: The need to build capacity for the deployment of open source and free software in eGovernment cannot be over emphasised

6. Building Capacity for Sustainability • A nationwide survey should be conducted to understand the readiness level of the nation to deploy open source and free software in eGovernment • Global trends and best practices should be monitored as this will help to understand what gaps exist and how much work needs to be done. Lessons from “similar economies” should be given priority • The present workforce, especially the “civil service” should be empowered with the intended technology. (The private sector has its own way of “dictating” required skill sets) • Young people – who represent the hope for a sustained eGovernment – MUST be equipped with appropriate tools. Beginning from what they study in schools to what they’re exposed to within the community, young people must be exposed to, and equipped for, the technology platform that will drive any nation’s eGovernment process • Implementation MUST adopt a multi-stakeholder approach – civil society, academia, private sector and special interest groups (women, youth, “specially abled”, etc) must be involved in the process

7. Open SourceandFree SoftwareforeGovernment THANK YOU ‘Gbenga SesanAfrican Youth focal point for FOSSFA, NigeriaNigeria’s Information Technology Youth Ambassador www.gbengasesan.com | me@gbengasesan.com Mobilising ICT Applications and Projects for Effective Corporate, National and Regional DevelopmentThe Fifth Annual African Computing & Telecommunications SummitAbuja, NIGERIA. 27 August 2003.