LocalFOSS

In August 2005, a small technology company was founded with big dreams. With an aim to becoming a major provider of Open Source products and services in developing countries, Leapsoft Limited has launched itself into the task.

In early February 2006, Leapsoft launched its flagship product, Wazobia Linux, a Linux distribution designed specifically with the needs of the West African subregion in mind.

Shina Owolabi, of Leapsoft had this to say about Wazobia Linux, "Wazobia Linux is an rpm based distribution, and is focused towards the West African subregion, as it is being translated into its major Languages, beginning with Yoruba, Hausa and Igbo. This task is very near completion."

From 10th July through the 29th July, the Ethiopian FOSS network (EFOSSNET) ran series of workshops aimed at informing both the government and private sector decision makers of the benefits of Free and Open Source Software.

The workshops were divided into three core groups, these include training for network administrators and IT support staff in the use LINUX and FOSS server-side applications; information sharing and training of NGOs and other development workers on FOSS alternatives to assist them in improving programme delivery as well as creating awareness among policy/decision makers in the public, private and civil society arena on such areas of FOSS policy as non-discriminatory procurement and indicators for assessing applicability of FOSS tools.