Open Source in Africa: An Opportunity Wasted?

Abstract

We discuss the topic of a Master's thesis which aims at providing resources for an effective exploration of FLOSS opportunities in Africa. Indeed, in view of the potential of FLOSS, we believe that Africa's developing nations have much to gain from an increased involvement in free software. However, because vulgarization of FLOSS requires a new model of need assessment, we propose a road-map for making open-source a new strategic growth platform for Africa. To this end, we introduce in this paper the FLAIR pilot project.