One of the best projects which helps overcome a barrier to Open Source adoption is the Freedom Toaster which is a conveniently located, self-contained, computer-based, 'Bring 'n Burn' facilities.

The Freedom Toaster project began as a means of overcoming the difficulty in obtaining Linux and Open Source software due to the restrictive telecommunications environment in Africa, where the easy downloading of large pieces of software is just not possible for everyone. You can find out more here http://freedomtoaster.org

The Ubuntu Loco team in Harare custom built thier own Freedom Toaster and it is available for use at Strachan's Photography in the CBD.  Kudos to the team for this initiative to help increase adoption of Open Source in Zimbabwe.

I found it very encouraging to see how receptive they are in Zim to Linux.  We visted several locations where they either have already migrated or are planning to do so in the near future.  I am returning in January to assist some local businesses with implementations of open source solutions and hope to see the wave is well underway.