How to Leverage Open Source for Your Business and Community

Kigali, Rwanda – Open Source Kigali is inviting developers, entrepreneurs, students, NGOs, and community leaders to a special session on “How Open Source Can Empower Communities and Local Businesses” on 1 March 2026, from 5:00 – 6:00 PM Kigali Time. The session will be streamed live on YouTube.

This event highlights how open source technologies are not just about software; they can also drive innovation, support local businesses, and strengthen communities in Rwanda and across Africa.

Meet the Speakers

• Marc Laporte, founder of WikiSuite.org, will be the guest speaker. Marc brings years of experience in developing open source solutions that are freely accessible and designed to meet local needs.
• Didas Mbarushimana, software engineer and lead organizer of Open Source Kigali, will moderate the session. Didas has been active in Rwanda’s tech community, promoting open source projects and collaborative initiatives for local developers and entrepreneurs.

Why Open Source Matters

Open source software allows communities to access, modify, and share technology without heavy licensing costs. For local businesses, this means:

• Reducing software expenses and dependency on proprietary tools.
• Building solutions tailored to specific community or business needs.
• Encouraging collaboration between developers, startups, and NGOs.

For Rwanda, embracing open source can accelerate digital transformation, create local tech jobs, and empower citizens with tools to solve real-world problems.

How to Join

The session is free and open to everyone, whether you are a developer, student, entrepreneur, or community leader.

• Register here: Guild Event Registration
• Watch live: YouTube Live

This event is an excellent opportunity to learn how open source technology can go beyond software and become a powerful tool for community development and local business growth.