Ghana’s tech landscape has suffered a profound loss with the passing of Herman Kojo Chinery-Hesse, the founder of theSOFTtribe and a trailblazing entrepreneur who shaped the nation’s digital future. Chinery-Hesse, who died on September 16, 2024, after suffering cardiac arrest at the age of 61, leaves behind a legacy of innovation that transcends borders and industries. His influence on Ghana’s tech sector is unparalleled, and his passing has sparked tributes from global tech leaders, entrepreneurs, and policymakers alike.
Known as the “Bill Gates of Africa,” Chinery-Hesse’s story is one of bold vision and relentless dedication to Africa’s potential in the digital era. Born in Dublin in 1963, Chinery-Hesse spent his formative years between Ghana and the U.S., attending Mfantsipim School in Cape Coast, Westlake High School in Texas, and later Texas State University, where he earned a degree in Industrial Technology. With this background, he returned to Ghana with a dream that seemed audacious at the time — revolutionizing Africa’s tech landscape.
In 1991, when Ghana’s digital infrastructure was still in its infancy, Chinery-Hesse founded theSOFTtribe. The company would go on to become the country’s oldest and largest software firm, providing groundbreaking solutions across multiple sectors. From mobile-based community security systems like Hei Julor!!! to government payroll software, theSOFTtribe helped drive digital transformation in both public and private sectors. The firm also introduced enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems and national utility billing platforms, redefining how business and governance were conducted in Ghana and beyond.
Under Chinery-Hesse’s leadership, theSOFTtribe grew into a key player not only in Ghana but also across West Africa, partnering with global tech giants such as Microsoft. His vision was clear — Africa could compete on the global stage if it harnessed its intellectual capital and embraced technological innovation. His oft-repeated belief that “unemployment could be solved by developing a solid IT industry” underscored his mission to make tech the backbone of African economies.
Beyond his business ventures, Chinery-Hesse was a passionate advocate for African storytelling. His African Echoes project aimed to produce African audiobooks for global audiences, amplifying African voices in a digital space dominated by Western narratives. He believed deeply in the power of technology to not only transform economies but also culture, giving Africans the tools to share their stories with the world.
Chinery-Hesse’s influence extended far beyond the borders of Ghana. He was a sought-after speaker at prestigious institutions like Harvard Business School, Oxford University, and the Wharton School, where his insights on technology, entrepreneurship, and African development were highly valued. He frequently appeared in global media outlets, including CNN, BBC, and Forbes Africa, where he shared his vision for an Africa that could lead in tech innovation.
His contributions to the tech industry earned him numerous accolades, including the GUBA Award for Exceptional Achievement, the Ghana Millennium Excellence Award for IT, and the Mobile World Lifetime Achievement Award. In 2019, he was appointed Commonwealth Chair for Business and Technology Initiatives for Africa, a role that further solidified his position as a leading figure in global tech circles.
Chinery-Hesse’s work also earned him the honor of being the first African to receive the Distinguished Alumnus Award from Texas State University, a recognition of his global impact. His inclusion among Africa’s Top 20 Tech Influencers and the 15 Black STEM Innovators highlighted his role as a pioneer and role model for younger generations of African tech entrepreneurs.
Born into a prominent Ghanaian family, Herman’s intellectual and entrepreneurial spirit was shaped by his rich heritage. His maternal grandfather, Robert Samuel Blay, was a Justice of the Supreme Court of Ghana and a founding member of the United Gold Coast Convention (UGCC), one of the political movements that led Ghana to independence. Chinery-Hesse’s own path, however, would diverge from politics to focus on creating a technological future for Africa.
As the news of his passing spreads, the outpouring of tributes from both local and international figures reflects the enormous void his death leaves in the African tech ecosystem. His vision, drive, and unwavering belief in Africa’s potential positioned him as a true pioneer. But more than his innovations, Chinery-Hesse’s legacy will be defined by his passion for empowering others. He did not just build software; he built bridges for future generations to follow, helping to inspire an entire continent to dream bigger.
Herman Kojo Chinery-Hesse’s death marks the end of an era for Ghana’s tech industry, but his legacy will live on in the countless entrepreneurs, innovators, and businesses he inspired. As Africa continues to advance in the global tech arena, Chinery-Hesse’s contributions will remain a cornerstone of the continent’s digital evolution.