Implementation and policy-making to optimise public access to ICT

The first study of its kind in Africa, this report provides information and advice to people who want to make sound software choices for public computer labs in Africa. The two-year study looked at the software environments in 121 public-access computer labs in Namibia, South Africa and Uganda. The findings examine the factors that affect software choices, the realities of the current situation in Africa, and the long-term implications of software choices for Africa, considering both ground- and policy-level issues.

Table of contents

1.1 Public ICT access and software choices in Africa
1.2 Issues around public access to ICT
1.3 Choosing software for public-access computer labs
1.4 Software choices in the African context   
1.5 The need for this study
1.6 Roadmap to the report

2.1 Framing the study with a Real Access/Real Impact approach
2.2 Data and information collection
2.3 The computer labs studied

3.1 Namibia
3.2 South Africa
3.3 Uganda

4.1 Appropriateness of software to local needs and conditions
4.2 Software cost and affordability
4.3 Locally relevant and useful applications, content and services
4.4 Capacity-building for end users
4.5 Technical capacity of computer lab staff
4.6 Availability and quality of technical support
4.7 The impact of awareness on software choices
4.8 The effects of policy and political will on software choices
4.9 Self-sustainability: a critical factor for computer labs

5.1 Key observations of the study
5.2 Key challenges and lessons learned in public-access computer labs in Africa
5.3 Recommendations to public-access computer labs in Africa
5.4 Recommendations to decision-makers setting policies that affect public-access computer labs in Africa

6 Concluding remarks

Annex 1. Terminology debate: free, open source, proprietary, commercial software
Annex 2. Research methodology
Annex 3. Thin client configuration
Annex 4. Definitions and glossary
Annex 5. Background and further reading
Annex 6. Additional aspects of software use in public-access computer labs
Annex 7. Field-study data
Annex 8. List of key local stakeholders and initiatives

Acknowledgements

This report was made possible by the generous support of the International Development Research Center (IDRC) and the Open Society Institute (OSI). The research was conducted in collaboration with SchoolNet Africa and AITEC Uganda.

Like all of our work, this report was a collaborative effort that drew on many members of the bridges.org team in various roles. We would especially like to recognise the contributions of Hillar Addo, Vincent W Bagiire, Jennifer Huesler, James Wire Lunghabo, Philipp Schmidt, Liam Smit, Paul Ssengooba.

We would like to thank the 121 computer labs and 40 policy-makers that provided the information and data that this report is based upon; their willingness to engage and share experiences enriched this research immeasurably. Their names are not listed here, because all contributions were made anonymously. We are also grateful to the many organisations and individuals that introduced us to the computer labs and helped with logistical support.

Finally, we would like to recognise the contributions of the advisory group members who gave us their time and attention throughout the study, including by reviewing and commenting on milestone documents and drafts. Their insight and advice helped ensure that the work remained balanced and objective. The group was comprised of experts in the field with diverse views on the topic:

• Joseph Alhadeff, Vice President Global Public Policy/ Chief Privacy Officer, Oracle
• Chose Choeu, Director Legal and Corporate Affairs, Microsoft South Africa
• Johan Eksteen, ICT Coordination Manager, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research
• Laurent Evrard, Director Computer Services, Polytechnic Namibia
• Richard Fuchs, Director ICT4D, International Development Research Center
• Riff Fullan, Program Coordinator, bellanet
• Johan Helsingius, Board Member and Technical Advisor, bridges.org
• Shafika Isaacs, Executive Director, SchoolNet Africa
• Joris Komen, Executive Director, SchoolNet Namibia
• Allen Luyima, Technical Coordinator, SchoolNet Uganda
• Simbo Ntiro, Founder eThinkTank Tanzania
• Jonathan Peizer, Chief Technology Officer, Open Society Institute
• Stormy Peters, Manager HP Open Source Program, Hewlett Packard
• Theo Schoemans, Managing Director, Schoemans IT
• Guido Sohne, sohne.net
• Steve Song, Managing Director, Connectivity Africa
• Fred Tipson, Director International Affairs, Microsoft
• Bill Vass, CIO, SUN Microsystems
• Arno Webb, CIO Department of Arts and Culture, Government Information Technology Officers Council, South Africa