A pioneering Ghanaian tech entrepreneur and founder of theSOFTtribe, Herman Kojo Chinery-Hesse, has passed away after suffering a cardiac arrest. 

He died on Monday evening, leaving behind a significant legacy as one of Africa’s leading figures in technology and innovation.

Born in Dublin, Ireland, in 1963, Chinery-Hesse was often dubbed "the Bill Gates of Africa" for his groundbreaking contributions to the tech industry. 

In 1991, he founded theSOFTtribe, Ghana’s oldest and largest software company, which played a pivotal role in the country’s technological development. 

Under his leadership, the company introduced innovative products, including mobile-based community security systems, government payroll solutions, ERP systems, and national utility billing platforms.

Chinery-Hesse's influence extended far beyond software development. 

He spearheaded “African Echoes,” a project aimed at producing African audiobooks for a global audience, empowering African voices to tell their stories on the international stage. 

He also served as an assessor for the Commercial Courts of Ghana, further contributing to the nation's growth. 

Educated at Mfantsipim School in Ghana, Westlake High School in Texas, and Texas State University, where he earned a degree in Industrial Technology, Chinery-Hesse was widely respected in the tech community. He was a sought-after speaker at prestigious institutions like Oxford, Harvard Business School, and Wharton, and was frequently featured in media outlets such as CNN, BBC, and Al Jazeera. 

A TED Fellow, Chinery-Hesse’s influence in the global tech world was profound, leaving an indelible mark on Ghana and beyond.