In July 2024, Switzerland announced that all government software were required to be open-source.
The country created legislation that mandates all government entities to use open-source software (OSS) in the public sector.
The mandate also requires all public bodies to disclose the source code of software developed by or for them unless third-party rights or security concerns prevent it.
Should more countries, especially African countries like Ghana, adopt the same approach?
For most African nations, because resources are often limited, and the need for robust, adaptable technology is high, the argument for OSS is particularly compelling.
In 2013, Ghana signed an agreement with the World Bank for an “e-Transform” project. The initiative was to enhance the efficiency and coverage of government service delivery through Information and Communication Technologies (ICT).
The project received substantial funding and underwent various phases since its inception.
Including hardware and software, it’s estimated that financing for the project was approximately US$212 million.
Despite this initiative, critics say that most of the software failed to scale or was ineffective in its objectives.
Would the country have been better off building its own software and open-sourcing it?
The Argument For OSS
Ghana has been successful in implementing software in the public sector for citizens to make operations more efficient.
The Ghana.Gov, a platform that allows users to pay taxes and interact with Government agencies online, seems to be the best case study so far.
Other initiatives haven’t fared so well.
The Office of Registered Companies (formerly Registrar General Department), the institution that allows individuals to register businesses, has failed to launch its online registration system despite stating it would have a new system up and running in Q1 2024.
And although it launched with a lot of fanfare, 62% of public agencies are not using the country’s Digital Address System.
On May 30th, 2025, Lightwave Solutions, an electronic health records provider that had provided services to health institutions, sent notice to the current Government administration that it would be revoking its services due to the government’s failure to renew its contract.
The issue was later resolved when the government put out a press release stating services would continue.
Episodes like this show the pitfalls of having issues with a single vendor that provides services like electronic medical records.
Cost-Effectiveness, Flexibility, and Customization
One of the most persuasive arguments for OSS is its cost-effectiveness. Governments can save significantly on licensing fees associated with proprietary software.
One of France’s largest cities saved €1 million annually by migrating all its workstations to open-source software, specifically using LibreOffice instead of Microsoft Office.
Open-source alternatives offer comparable functionality without recurring costs, which is crucial for African nations that must optimize their budgets.
A community of developers can identify and fix vulnerabilities swiftly, whereas proprietary software relies on the vendor’s timeline and transparency.
OSS is inherently flexible, allowing governments to tailor solutions to their specific needs. This adaptability is vital for African countries like Ghana, which face unique challenges and requirements that off-the-shelf software may not adequately address.
The Brazilian government’s adoption of open-source software enabled it to customize systems for public administration, improving efficiency and reducing reliance on foreign software vendors.
Promoting Local Tech Industry and Avoiding Vendor Lock-In
Adopting OSS can stimulate Ghana’s local technology sector by encouraging the development of local expertise and businesses. This, in turn, can lead to job creation and a more vibrant economy, fostering innovation within the country.
Proprietary software often leads to vendor lock-in, where a government becomes dependent on a single supplier.
OSS mitigates this risk by providing the freedom to switch vendors or support services without losing access to critical software or data.
Another advantage of OSS is that the source code is open for scrutiny, which can lead to more secure software. A community of developers can identify and fix vulnerabilities swiftly, whereas proprietary software relies on the vendor’s timeline and transparency.
Studies show that the Linux operating system, a popular open-source OS, has significantly fewer security vulnerabilities than proprietary systems like Windows.
Challenges
Of course, OSS is not foolproof. While open source allows for more eyes to spot vulnerabilities, it also requires active and continuous management to patch these vulnerabilities.
Another challenge is legal and compliance issues. Governments must navigate the legal landscape of open-source licenses, which can vary widely and may impose certain obligations on users. Ensuring compliance with these licenses can be a complex task.
Another issue is integrating OSS with existing government systems. Compatibility issues may arise, requiring additional resources to ensure seamless operation across different platforms.
For Ghana and other African governments, the adoption of open-source software offers a pathway to more efficient, transparent, and inclusive governance.
It aligns with the broader goals of sustainable development and digital sovereignty, empowering nations to take control of their digital futures.
