Bridging the Digital Divide
Open Source Software as a Catalyst for Community Empowerment

zikusooka
Joseph Zikusooka (ZIK) is Founder and Technologist at Jambula Labs, an IT solutions company that specializes in the provision of Linux-based server products and services. Zik has helped several organizations and businesses in Africa to maintain stable and reliable Linux systems.
Zik is very passionate about open source software and has over the years been not only a strong advocate of Free and Libre software but he has also taught Linux administration and server skills to students in the East Africa region.
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Open source software is powering global innovation. In less developed regions, it's not just technology but a catalyst for closing the digital divide and fueling economic and social progress.
This session explores how open source software goes beyond just coding as it creates real opportunities and positive change in the world’s least developed areas.
For software developers in underserved regions, open source software offers free access to advanced technologies. This empowers them to build innovative IT solutions tailored to their communities’ unique needs.
I will highlight the many benefits of adopting and customizing open source software in developing countries. These include lower IT costs for small businesses and organizations, and the ability to repair and reuse older computers and devices. By extending the life of hardware, open source software helps reduce electronic waste and environmental harm caused by discarded proprietary technology.
Open source also boosts digital literacy and encourages collaboration and contribution within local tech communities, helping to bridge technology gaps.
Using real examples from Africa, this session will show how open source projects are transforming education, healthcare, and other vital sectors, while helping to close the digital divide.
Attendees will learn how their open source projects and contributions can create meaningful economic and social impact, especially in underserved and remote communities.
- Date:
- 2025 June 26 - 16:45
- Duration:
- 45 min
- Room:
- Gallerie
- Conference:
- openSUSE Conference 2025
- Language:
- Track:
- Open Source
- Difficulty:
- Easy
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- Start Time:
- 2025 June 26 16:00
- Room:
- Seminar Room 1
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- Start Time:
- 2025 June 26 16:45
- Room:
- Saal
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- Start Time:
- 2025 June 26 17:00
- Room:
- Seminar Room 1
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- Start Time:
- 2025 June 26 17:15
- Room:
- Saal