In computer software, there are two different options. Companies are either using proprietary software, which has to be paid for, or companies are using open source software, which is completely free. For a long time, open source software was not as robust as proprietary software, but those times are long past now.

Open Source software is used at different levels. First, there is the application level, which includes LibreOffice, which is Microsoft Office-like office software, or MariaDB, which is an enterprise-grade database solution. At the other end, there is Linux, the operating system that is currently the foundation of the Internet. Over 70% of all servers hosting websites on the Internet are running on Linux. 

So, for affordable computing for end-users, Open Source software is interesting, as it is available for free. Why would you want to work with subscription-based software if you can get software for free? For IT professionals, Linux has become a key skill. If those IT professionals are there and trained in the Linux operating system, they can help change the way companies are doing IT. In particular, the way governments are doing IT. If governments don’t have to pay for proprietary software anymore, that money can be spent on projects that are of more interest for the Zambian community, like Infrastructure, Education and Healthcare. 

The main condition to benefit of Open Source software, is the availability of local people with the right knowledge. If expertise needs to be imported from foreign countries in Europe or India, Open Source software is not going to be a benefit, but a burden, with a risk of having amuch higher cost of ownership then just staying with proprietary software. 

The Living Open Source Foundation is a non-profit organization created by Zambian National Santos Venter Chibenga and the author of this article. The mission of the Foundation is to stimulate the growth of local economies by enabling people to develop themselves as experts in Open Source Software. After an initial event in December 2018 where 200+ students were trained in Open Source software, the foundation has spread its work throughout Africa, with successful past events in Kenya (120+) and Malawi (500+) and upcoming events in Rwanda, Ethiopia, Botswana and many more countries to follow. 

As mentioned by Santos Venter Chibenga, “Our ambition is to develop the Living Open Source Foundation to the benefit of all African countries, by providing free education for those who need it, and high-quality education for IT professionals in all of these countries.” And the Living Open Source Foundation has its headquarters here in Lusaka, where is recently opened its first Knowledge Center. The knowledge center is providing training to local talent, but also is the one-stop shop for all companies that require knowledge about Open Source projects. 

After three successful events in Zambia, the Living Open Source knowledge center now does have local trainers available, and is helped by the international expertise of ITGilde, representing Linux Foundation Training throughout Europe, Middle East, Africa and Russia. Living Open Source Foundation has worked with INFRATEL Corporation Limited as part of encouraging developers and local Open Source enthusiasts to use local data centre resources.

But how does this make Zambian economy better? To start with, Open Source software is free, and the requirements to use open source software are limited. Even a 15-year old computer can still be used to install a modern Linux version. So the investments to be made are minimal for individuals motivated to develop themselves. 

Secondly, Open Source software allows companies and governmental organizations to spend their money in a wiser way. In particular if local talent is available to support these organizations. 

Thirdly, Open Source software is not owned by any company. It is owned by mankind, and that makes that anyone with an Internet connection and skills in Open Source software, can participate in the world-wide Open Source community. No matter if one comes from the United Kingdom, Zambia or South America, in Open Source chances for everyone are equal. 
The start of the Living Open Source Knowledge center really is important for Zambia, because it can help in educating IT staff of Zambian government to become skilled IT professionals. And that will truly make Zambia the heart of Open Sourced Africa.

Santos Venter Chibenga
Founder Living Open Source Foundation
Santos.chibenga@livingopensource.org
DevOps Consultant