Practical Insights on Open Source

open source software

How Open Source Software Improves Lives in Developing Countries

Open source software (OSS) can improve lives in developing countries. OSS can be a powerful tool for promoting development, by providing access to technology, reducing costs, and promoting collaboration and sharing.

Cost savings: Open source software is typically free to use and modify, which can help to reduce the cost of acquiring and maintaining software for governments, businesses, and individuals in developing countries. This can be especially important in contexts where financial resources are limited.

Customization: OSS can be customized and modified to meet the specific needs and preferences of users. This can be especially useful in developing countries, where the needs and priorities of users may differ from those in more developed countries.

Collaboration and sharing: Open source software promotes collaboration and sharing, as it allows for the sharing of code and other resources. This can facilitate the exchange of knowledge and expertise, and help to build capacity in developing countries.

Access to technology: OSS can help to increase access to technology in developing countries, as it is typically freely available and does not require the purchase of proprietary software licenses. This can help to bridge the digital divide and provide more people with access to the tools and resources they need to participate in the digital economy.

Apply Now: $100,000 UNICEF Grants for Health Technology Startups

Apply Now: $100,000 UNICEF Grants for Health Technology Startups

Published on: Aug 28 2023 by Wayan Vota - 6 Comments
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a negative impact on global health, nutrition and mental health indicators for children. It has also amplified the persistent inequities...
Governance is Key for Digital Public Infrastructure Success

Governance is Key for Digital Public Infrastructure Success

Published on: Jul 27 2023 by Guest Writer - Comments Off on Governance is Key for Digital Public Infrastructure Success
The digital technologies that serve as the ‘infrastructure’ of widespread digital transformation are increasingly recognised as key drivers of development....
Apply Now: $350,000 to Advance African Digital and Human Rights

Apply Now: $350,000 to Advance African Digital and Human Rights

Published on: Nov 21 2022 by Wayan Vota - 5 Comments
We need digital and human rights initiatives, projects and strategies led by African organizations that contribute towards a healthy internet. New digital solutions...
Digital Public Goods Need Sustainable Funding for Success

Digital Public Goods Need Sustainable Funding for Success

Published on: Nov 10 2022 by Wayan Vota - Comments Off on Digital Public Goods Need Sustainable Funding for Success
Last year, the UN Global Pulse and the Digital Public Goods Alliance conducted qualitative research to understand the challenges with developing and deploying digital...
How Many Africans Contribute to Open Source Software?

How Many Africans Contribute to Open Source Software?

Published on: Oct 06 2022 by Guest Writer - 3 Comments
The current literature on analyses of African participation in global digital infrastructure reveals very low open source contribution levels from the continent....
How LMIC Governments Can Benefit from the No-Code Revolution

How LMIC Governments Can Benefit from the No-Code Revolution

Published on: Aug 05 2022 by Guest Writer - 5 Comments
No-code software application development is a paradigm shift sweeping the technology world. The research firm Gartner estimates that by 2025 around 70% of new applications...
Watch Now: Six Digital Health Global Goods Explained

Watch Now: Six Digital Health Global Goods Explained

Published on: Jul 28 2022 by Tech Change - Comments Off on Watch Now: Six Digital Health Global Goods Explained
 We are excited to share a new series of videos on digital health global goods that TechChange has developed in partnership with USAID, PATH/Digital Square. Each...
3 Ways Africa Can Avoid America’s Electronic Health Record Woes

3 Ways Africa Can Avoid America’s Electronic Health Record Woes

Published on: May 12 2022 by Guest Writer - 2 Comments
Electronic health records (EHRs) are digital medical charts. They contain information such as a patient’s demographics, medical history, and progress notes. The...
Apply Now: £500,000 for Infectious Disease Open Source Data Models

Apply Now: £500,000 for Infectious Disease Open Source Data Models

Published on: Mar 14 2022 by Wayan Vota - 5 Comments
Climate change has and will continue to have a profound impact on escalating infectious diseases. Warming temperatures are making new environments more suitable...
Global Public Goods Guidebook for Sustainable Digital Health Deployments

Global Public Goods Guidebook for Sustainable Digital Health Deployments

Published on: Mar 03 2022 by Guest Writer - Comments Off on Global Public Goods Guidebook for Sustainable Digital Health Deployments
Global goods are digital health software tools that are adaptable to different countries and contexts to help address key health system challenges. A mature digital...