For a long time, we have been absent from the most important gatherings dedicated to the building and shaping of our world. We Africans, lacking clear objectives and vision, have too often stood out by our absence from the spaces where the world came together to forge the chain of development. As the saying goes, there will always be more opportunities — but what truly matters, in my view, is not to miss them. Today, the entire world is preparing and evolving to succeed in what may well be the most decisive rendezvous of our century — the digital era. This is an appointment that, far from taking place without us, risks unfolding with only the illusion of Africa’s presence — that of our people, our intellectuals, and above all, our youth.
Dear Africans,
For a long time, we have been absent from the most meaningful milestones in the making of our world. We Africans, through a lack of goals and vision, have too often shone by our absence in the global process of development. As the saying goes, opportunities will never cease to arise — but the most important thing, in my view, is not to let them pass us by. Today, the whole world is mobilizing to seize the final rendezvous of our era — the rendezvous of the digital world. This is a turning point that, far from taking place without us, risks happening with only a superficial presence of Africa, of our people, of our thinkers, and especially of our youth.
I am passionate about Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) and a member of several organizations dedicated to the promotion of Free Software, social innovation, and collective intelligence. I am above all an advocate for reducing the double digital divide that Africa continues to experience.
Free Software has become part of my daily life, and ICT has transformed my vision of our continent’s development. Through Free Software, I have come to understand that African youth can take power back from incompetence, ignorance, and unemployment. If it has been possible for some — people I know personally — then it can be possible for you too. Today, we can all benefit from the gentle, empowering breeze of Free Software, carrying within it the seeds of our nations’ progress. Convinced that GNU/Linux and the philosophy of Free Software represent a genuine lever for the development and emancipation of our communities, and having observed through many examples that skill transfer precedes all real development, I have decided to take up my pilgrim’s staff and tell you all: the reduction of the digital divide in our countries is possible through Free Software.
Because I believe in a better world — and in the potential of my continent, Africa — I have chosen to move forward toward this new and wonderful world that is now within our reach thanks to Free Software.
I have realized that with GNU/Linux and Free Software, our people and our societies will no longer act as they did yesterday — in rudimentary, exhausting, degrading, or outdated ways. Tomorrow shines brighter; projects are blooming. But we must ensure they bear fruits that lead to true progress.
The lifeblood of Africa’s digital development is made up of Free Software — and we Africans must understand and embrace it. Thank you for believing in yourselves, in your continent, in your projects, and in the mission we share. Carry within you this flame of development through GNU/Linux and Free Software — and together, let us give power back to African users.
Florent YOUZAN