Ghana has lost a towering figure in technology and innovation, as Herman Kojo Chinery-Hesse, the founder of theSOFTtribe, passed away on Monday evening following a cardiac arrest. He was 60 years old.
Born in Dublin, Ireland, in 1963, Chinery-Hesse was widely recognized as one of Africa’s leading tech entrepreneurs, often referred to as “the Bill Gates of Africa” for his groundbreaking contributions to the industry. In 1991, he founded theSOFTtribe, Ghana’s oldest and largest software company, which played a pivotal role in advancing the country’s digital infrastructure. Under his leadership, theSOFTtribe introduced innovative products, including mobile-based community security systems, government payroll solutions, ERP systems, and national utility billing platforms.
Beyond his achievements in software development, Chinery-Hesse was the visionary behind “African Echoes,” a project that aimed to produce African audiobooks for a global audience, helping to amplify African voices on the world stage. He also contributed to Ghana’s growth by serving as an assessor for the country’s Commercial Courts.
Chinery-Hesse’s educational journey took him from Mfantsipim School in Ghana to Westlake High School in Texas and later to Texas State University, where he earned a degree in Industrial Technology. He became a highly sought-after speaker, lecturing at prestigious institutions such as Oxford, Harvard Business School, and Wharton. His insights were also featured in global media outlets including CNN, BBC, and Al Jazeera.
As a TED Fellow, Chinery-Hesse’s influence extended far beyond Ghana, leaving a lasting legacy in the global tech community. His passing marks the end of an era, but his contributions will continue to inspire future generations of African innovators.
