Global Precedent Set with Groundbreaking Open Source First Policy
In a breakthrough for international digital governance, UNICEF has formally commended the Government of Sierra Leone for adopting a pioneering “Open Source First Policy.” The announcement was made during a high-level showcase hosted on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly (UNGA81).
Organized jointly by Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Communication, Technology and Innovation (MoCTI) and UNICEF Sierra Leone, the event highlighted the nation's strategic push toward building robust, open, and scalable digital public infrastructure (DPI).
Rudolf Schwenk, Director of the UNICEF Office of Innovation, praised Sierra Leone for taking a decisive leadership role in technology policy, noting that it stands among the very first countries to enact such a directive.
“Open source DPI is actually an ecosystem,” Schwenk stated during his address. “The Open Source First Policy is a foundation layer towards unlocking all these elements.”
Drafted by MoCTI with technical and strategic guidance from UNICEF, the framework mandates that public institutions evaluate open-source alternatives prior to procuring proprietary tech solutions. While not an absolute mandate for every scenario, it prioritizes open ecosystem solutions to maximize public value and long-term sustainability.
Salima Bah, Minister of Communication, Technology and Innovation, emphasized that the framework ensures Sierra Leone retains sovereignty over its digital systems while enabling local innovation and interoperability across government services.
The policy marks a central pillar in Sierra Leone's broader digital transformation agenda, aligning with UNICEF’s global push for accessible digital public goods (DPGs) and improved digital safeguards.
By presenting these achievements at UNGA81, Sierra Leone and UNICEF hope to offer a replicable model for other developing nations seeking to establish resilient, cost-effective digital infrastructures.
Comments