There are people who turn curiosity into transformation, and Betelhem Dessie is one of them, carrying a name that echoes with brilliance, unwavering drive, and a vision for change powered through technology.
Born and raised in Harar, Ethiopia, Betelhem’s journey into tech began at the tender age of nine. Her father owned an electronics shop, and as a curious child she spent time tinkering with computers, helping customers with audio and video file transfers, learning software installation, and gradually exploring video editing and computer maintenance.
That early exposure ignited a passion. By age ten she was teaching herself HTML and then sharing what she learned by tutoring classmates in basic computer skills.
Betelhem’s transition from curious kid to prodigy happened fast. After her family relocated to Addis Ababa, she landed her first developer role at age twelve with the national cybersecurity agency, a testament to her talent and early mastery of coding. As she grew she refused to remain just a developer, she wanted to change how youth in Ethiopia accessed tech education and opportunity.
Today, Betelhem is the Founder and CEO of iCog, Anyone Can Code (ACC), a program born out of her dream to democratize access to coding, robotics, and AI for children and young people.
Through ACC, she’s helped thousands of kids, even those from remote or under-resourced backgrounds, learn to code, build digital literacy, and dream bigger.
She also co-leads initiatives like Solve IT, which mentors youth to use technology to solve real problems in their communities.
Her contributions go beyond teaching. Betelhem holds several patents, four solely in her name and multiple others in collaboration, reflecting her technical innovation and commitment to building tools, not just sharing knowledge.
And under her guidance, iCog and ACC have reached thousands, reshaping the narrative around technology for Ethiopia’s youth.
What makes Betelhem’s achievements truly powerful is the impact. She emerges not only as a skilled developer, but as a mentor, pioneer, and role model, especially for girls and young women who see her success and realize that identity, background, or age do not limit what’s possible.
Through her work, she’s creating a pathway for a new generation to see technology as accessible, relevant, and transformative.
Betelhem Dessie’s story tells us that innovation doesn’t wait for permission or perfect conditions. It begins with curiosity, grows with hard work, and blossoms with purpose.
She shows that coding is more than typing lines, it can be a key to unlocking potential, building community, and reimagining a future where African youth design the digital world.
Image Credit: Brilliant Minds
