Betelhem Dessie
HONOREE, 100 MOST IMPACTFUL VOICES 2025
Chief Executive Officer, iCog
Focus Area: AI, Robotics, Coding Education
Country: Ethiopia
Betelhem Dessie is an Ethiopian tech entrepreneur, educator, and digital advocate. She is the CEO of iCog Anyone Can Code, an initiative democratizing access to AI, robotics, and coding for Ethiopian youth. Recognized by CNN and BBC as a leading force in Africa’s tech scene, she has empowered over 30,000 young learners through her programs.
Passionate about gender inclusivity in STEM, she leads projects like For(her), dedicated to training girls in coding. A self-taught technologist and award-winning innovator, Betelhem is redefining Ethiopia’s digital future by bridging the gap between emerging technology and local communities.