The key idea behind open data being that certain types of data should be freely available to everyone to use and republish as they wish, without restrictions from copyright, patents or other mechanisms of control. It was highlighted that use of open data has grown within the last few years, especially in use in economic development. A number of examples of open data in Africa were spoken about, including the work being done by the Ramani Huria project.
Wazo kuu nyuma ya Takwimu huria ni kuwa baadhi ya aina data lazima ziwe zinapatikana na huru kwa kila mtu kutumia na kuchapisha kama wakitaka, bila vikwazo kutoka hati miliki, ruhusu au utaratibu mwingine wa kudhibiti.ilihainishwa kwamba matumizi ya takwimu huria yameongezeka ndani ya miaka michache iliyopita, hasa katika matumizi ya maendeleo ya kiuchumi. idadi ya mifano ya takwimu huria katika Afrika ilisemwa, ikiwa ni pamoja na kazi zinazofanywa na Ramani Huria.