Weekend Read
Betelhem Dessie, a web and mobile technologies developer and the Founder and CEO of iCog (Anyone Can Code), is transforming digital literacy in Africa. She has spearheaded four globally recognised initiatives: iCog, the Irrigation Mapping Application, Solve IT, and Girls Can Code.
In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, skills like coding, artificial intelligence (AI), and computer literacy are no longer optional—they are essential. These competencies drive innovation and economic growth across finance, technology, and fintech industries. Recognising this, Ethiopian tech leader Betelhem Dessie equips the next generation with the digital tools needed to thrive in the 21st century.
Through iCog, she prepares young Africans for the global digital economy by teaching AI, robotics, blockchain, and other emerging technologies. The programme fosters technical proficiency and nurtures creativity and problem-solving skills.
Beyond education, Betelhem’s impact extends to agriculture and public service. Her Irrigation Mapping Application has improved agricultural planning in Ethiopia by enhancing the government’s ability to manage irrigation projects efficiently. As a Project Advisor for Solve IT, an iCog Labs initiative, she has helped young innovators tackle societal challenges using technology.
Her work with the United States Embassy on the Girls Can Code project also breaks barriers by training young women in essential coding skills, helping to bridge the gender gap in technology.
For Betelhem, coding is more than just a technical skill—it is a tool for empowerment. It enables global connections, unlocks high-paying job opportunities, and fosters entrepreneurship. Under her leadership, iCog has introduced thousands of young Ethiopians to coding while forging international partnerships that connect local talent to the global tech ecosystem. These collaborations have elevated Ethiopia’s presence in the tech space and inspired other nations to invest in youth-led innovation.
Betelhem is driving innovation, reducing unemployment, strengthening local industries, and attracting foreign investment—contributing directly to Ethiopia’s economic growth by equipping the next generation with digital skills. Technology is reshaping every sector, and her vision of coding as a fundamental skill aligns with the demands of the global economy.
She envisions a world where digital literacy is as crucial as traditional literacy. Her commitment to empowering young people with coding skills transforms lives in Ethiopia and influences industries worldwide. As the digital economy continues to evolve, Betelhem Dessie proves that innovation and education can drive sustainable growth, bridge societal gaps, and prepare emerging markets for the future.
Her success in the tech industry also underscores the importance of diversity. Through her initiatives, she has empowered young women to pursue careers in technology, proving that innovation knows no gender.
