What is the state of open source software (OSS) development in the Global South? We interviewed Thabang Mashologu, Vice President of Community and Outreach at the Eclipse Foundation. In the interview, he discussed the positive social impact of open source development, how much developers value it and how governments, communities and organizations around the world – including the Brussels-based Eclipse Foundation – can help reduce barriers to access to blockchain. Are.
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Thabang Mashologu is the Vice President of Community and Outreach at Eclipse Foundation. In this role, she is responsible for global marketing and program management for the organization’s working groups and industry collaborations. Away from work, Thabang can usually be found where his family is – usually at an ice hockey arena. Find out more about Thabang at thabang.ca.
iX Workshop: Programming More Productively with Github Copilot and ChatGPTOpen source as a tool for social change
Last year, for the first time, the Eclipse Foundation conducted a survey on “The state of open source in the Global South“. What is particularly noteworthy about it from your point of view? Were there any unexpected results?
One of the most surprising and gratifying discoveries was how important and influential developers in these regions are in the open source ecosystem. They are not only users of open source software, but also actively influence its future. Developers in these sectors believe strongly in the social importance of open source, whether it’s for improving education, promoting entrepreneurship or gender equality. It becomes clear that they see open source not just as a technical tool, but as a means of far-reaching social change.
We found that three quarters of developers surveyed use open source software. But it goes even further: About 37 percent actually contribute to projects, 28 percent perform maintenance, and 22 percent even create their own new projects. This commitment shows that developers are not only using open source as a career springboard, but also actively driving positive change in their communities. We believe that open source will continue to grow in importance in these areas.
The Eclipse Foundation relies on the definition of the Global South according to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development. It includes regions of Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean, Asia (except Israel, Japan, and South Korea), and Oceania (except Australia and New Zealand).
Access to Open Source Development: Challenges and Solutions
What do you think are the biggest barriers for developers in the Global South that may prevent them from contributing to open source?
Developers in the Global South face many challenges. The biggest of these is access to reliable infrastructure, such as stable internet and modern hardware, which is often taken for granted in other parts of the world. A local ecosystem supporting open source development is also often lacking. Many developers stress the need for stronger regional communities and better integration into international projects. In addition, there are financial constraints and lack of resources that make sustained collaboration difficult.
How can the Eclipse Foundation help overcome some of these barriers? Have any concrete steps already been taken in this direction or are there any plans for the future?
We see this survey as the beginning of our efforts to increase support for open source communities around the world. We presented our findings at the “OSPO for Good” conference, held at the UN Headquarters in New York in early July 2024, where more than 500 community leaders, policy makers and relevant stakeholders discussed how open source support can promote sustainable development. Can give. We also organized a webinar on October 7, 2024 with key representatives from the open source community, the Digital Public Goods Alliance, and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) to discuss challenges and solutions in the Global South.
We also discussed this topic at our Open Community Experience (OCX) conference in Mainz in October 2024. Ruth Ikegah, a renowned open source program manager, delivered the keynote address explaining how the Global North can support African software developers through alliances, mentorship and financial assistance. We also had a session on Digital Public Goods (DPG), which discussed how projects led by us can be used for socially and economically positive purposes. Additionally, we hosted a diversity meeting where we learned from the community about how we can promote diversity and inclusion across our ecosystem.
Building on these activities, we would like to continue tracking the progress of developers in the Global South and sharing their stories and challenges with the broader community. We want to work more closely with policy makers and organizations to translate these insights into actionable strategies that support sustainable development in these regions. Ultimately, we hope our research will stimulate broader discussion about the future of open source and the role of developers in the Global South.
What impact does the European-based Eclipse Foundation’s support for digital transformation in the Global South through open source have compared to the impact of major powers like the US and China?
It would be unrealistic to assume that the Eclipse Foundation can handle this alone. Given the size and diversity of the communities that make up the Global South, supporting the development of this region will require the collaboration of many organizations, governments, communities and companies in developed countries around the world. This includes better infrastructure, mentoring, training, funding and career opportunities. Collaboration between governments, funders, NGOs, open source groups, foundations, and local and international entrepreneurs is essential to provide the necessary support and realize the full potential of open source in these areas.
By extension, this means that you must first invest in the infrastructure that enables developers to work effectively. This includes, among other things, better Internet access and affordable tools and resources, such as the Eclipse IDE or the Eclipse Foundation Git repository. Other options include training and education resources that improve the skills of contributors and committers. Secondly, guidance is very important. Experienced developers and organizations can make a valuable contribution here by providing guidance and helping to bridge the gap between local and international communities. Finally, we must work to make the contributions of developers from the Global South more visible, such as by highlighting their work on global platforms or through platforms that amplify their voices. The Eclipse Foundation co-hosted a workshop titled “Government Spotlight: Policymaking and Strategies for Building Open Source Ecosystems” in New York with over 100 policymakers from around the world. We also work closely with the United Nations and its “OSPO for Good” programme.
Economic growth, innovation and social impact
What general positive impact can an active open source community have on countries in the Global South?
Open source software can play an important role in economic growth and social development in countries of the Global South. About 59 percent of developers believe that OSS will play an important role in the economic growth of their countries in the next ten years. In addition to economic factors, OSS also promotes better educational opportunities, development of a qualified workforce of software developers, and greater entrepreneurship and innovation. Furthermore, mature open source communities report positive social impacts, including boosting economic growth, fostering greater innovation, and enabling women to develop new skills and pursue new career paths.
Thank you for the interview!
(May)
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