Articles
Nov 28, 2024

Top 10 Ethiopians in Tech

Top 10 Ethiopians in Tech

From AI and cybersecurity to FinTech and RideShare, tech leaders from from Ethiopia and Ethiopian origin are driving innovation and creating impactful solutions. Whether they are based in Ethiopia, or working internationally, their contributions are reshaping the tech landscape. Here are 10 remarkable Ethiopians who are making a difference in the tech world.

1. Timnit Gebru – AI Ethics Pioneer

Kimberly White/Getty Images for TechCrunch

Nationality: Ethio-Eritrean
Role: Founder, Distributed AI Research Institute (DAIR)
Notable Work: Timnit Gebru is a prominent figure in AI ethics, having previously co-led Google's Ethical AI team. She now heads the Distributed AI Research Institute, focusing on ethical AI practices and addressing racial and gender biases in technology. Her work has made a significant impact on how AI systems are developed and implemented.

2. Rediet Abebe – Algorithmic Fairness Researcher

Nationality: Ethiopian
Role: Assistant Professor of Computer Science, University of California, Berkeley
Notable Work: Rediet Abebe’s research addresses societal inequalities through algorithms. She co-founded Black in AI to support Black AI professionals and is known for her work on using algorithms to tackle social issues such as poverty and resource distribution. Her contributions are vital to advancing fairness in technology.

3. Berhane Gebru – Digital Development Expert

Nationality: Ethiopian
Role: Vice President of Programs, FHI 360
Notable Work: Berhane Gebru works at the intersection of ICT and development, leading initiatives that use digital tools to improve health, education, and economic opportunities. His efforts help bridge the digital divide and promote digital inclusion in underserved communities across Africa.

4. Samrawit Fikru – Ride-Hailing Innovator

Samrawit Fikru contributes to safer mobility with RIDE - We are Tech

Nationality: Ethiopian
Role: Founder and CEO, RIDE
Notable Work: Samrawit Fikru is the founder of RIDE, Ethiopia’s first ride-hailing app. Based in Addis Ababa, her company is revolutionizing transportation in Ethiopia by offering convenient and affordable ride services. Samrawit is also a strong advocate for increasing women’s participation in tech.

5. Betelhem Dessie – Tech Educator and Entrepreneur

Nationality: Ethiopian
Role: Project Manager, iCog Labs; Founder, Anyone Can Code
Notable Work: Betelhem Dessie is a leading tech educator in Ethiopia. Through her "Anyone Can Code" initiative, she is teaching coding and robotics to youth across the country. Her work is crucial in fostering a new generation of tech-savvy individuals and promoting STEM education.

6. Sara Menker – Data-Driven Agriculture Innovator

Sara Menker, founder and CEO of Gro Intelligence

Nationality: Ethiopian
Role: Founder and CEO, Gro Intelligence
Notable Work: Sara Menker founded Gro Intelligence, an AI-driven platform that provides insights into global agricultural markets. Her work is vital for addressing food security and improving agricultural practices through data-driven solutions.

7. Zekarias Amsalu – FinTech Entrepreneur

Zekarias Amsalu, a brain behind the Africa Fintech Summit - We are Tech

Nationality: Ethiopian
Role: Founder and Managing Director, Ibex Frontier
Notable Work: Zekarias Amsalu is a key player in Ethiopia’s FinTech sector. His company, Ibex Frontier, connects Ethiopian startups with global investors, fostering innovation and digital financial inclusion. Zekarias’s efforts are instrumental in building a robust tech ecosystem in Ethiopia.

8. Mulugeta Ayene – Cloud Computing Innovator

Nationality: Ethiopian
Role: Founder and CEO, XHub
Notable Work: Mulugeta Ayene is a cloud computing expert and founder of XHub, one of Ethiopia’s first tech hubs. Based in Addis Ababa, Mulugeta supports startups by providing resources and mentorship, playing a crucial role in the growth of Ethiopia’s tech startup ecosystem.

9. Sophia Bekele – Internet Policy and Governance Expert

Ms. Sophia Bekele Short Profile -

Nationality: Ethiopian
Role: Founder and CEO, DotConnectAfrica (DCA)
Notable Work: Sophia Bekele is a leading advocate for internet governance and cybersecurity. Through DotConnectAfrica, she promotes digital inclusion and internet access across Africa, addressing key issues in digital policy and cybersecurity.

10. Yonas Beshawred – Founder of StackShare

Meet A Founder Transforming How Software Is Bought

Nationality: Ethiopian

Role: Founder and CEO, StackShare (Acquired by FOSSA)

Notable Work: Yonas Beshawred is the founder of StackShare, a platform that allows developers and companies to share and discover the software tools they use. StackShare has become a widely respected resource in the tech industry, helping companies build and scale their tech stacks more efficiently.

Whether they are advancing AI ethics, fostering FinTech innovation, or protecting digital infrastructure, their work is transforming the continent’s tech landscape. Their accomplishments not only inspire the next generation but also push the boundaries of what is possible in the African and global tech industries.