Former President John Dramani Mahama has expressed his deep sorrow over the passing of Herman Kojo Chinery-Hesse, the renowned Ghanaian tech entrepreneur and founder of theSOFTtribe.
Mr. Mahama described Chinery-Hesse’s death as a significant loss to Ghana’s IT industry.
“We’ve lost a good man. I’ve lost a friend. This is a great blow to Ghana and our IT fraternity. We must be inspired to produce a million more Hermans. Rest in peace, Herman,” the National Democratic Congress (NDC) flagbearer wrote on his X platform.
Chinery-Hesse passed away on Monday, September 16, 2024, following a cardiac arrest. He leaves behind a legacy as one of Africa’s most influential figures in the technology sector.
Born in 1963 in Dublin, Ireland, Chinery-Hesse was a pioneering force in African technology and often dubbed “the Bill Gates of Africa.” He passed away at the age of 61.
Chinery-Hesse founded theSOFTtribe in 1991, which grew into Ghana’s largest and oldest software company. Under his leadership, the company developed innovative products such as mobile-based security systems, government payroll solutions, ERP systems, and utility billing software.
Beyond software, he launched initiatives like “African Echoes,” which aimed to bring African stories to the world through audiobooks, further empowering Africans to narrate their own stories. He also served as an assessor for Ghana’s Commercial Courts.
Chinery-Hesse was educated at Mfantsipim School in Ghana, Westlake High School in Texas, and Texas State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Technology. His academic foundation paved the way for his remarkable career in technology.
In addition to his corporate success, Chinery-Hesse was a respected voice in the global tech community, delivering talks at leading institutions such as the University of Oxford, Harvard Business School, and Wharton School. He was also a TED Fellow and frequently featured on international platforms like CNN, BBC, and Al Jazeera.
His legacy is marked by his tireless commitment to advancing technology across Africa and shaping the continent’s future in the industry. His passing is a great loss not only to Ghana but to the global tech community, and his contributions will continue to inspire future innovators.
Herman Kojo Chinery-Hesse is survived by his family and leaves behind a transformative legacy in technology that has significantly impacted Africa and beyond.
