Herman Chinery-Hesse: The Elder Statesman of African Technology and Innovation Herman Chinery-Hesse was born on November 18, 1963, in Dublin, Republic of Ireland, into a distinguished Ghanaian family with a strong legacy of public service.

 

His father, Lebrecht James Chinery-Hesse, was a prominent legal draftsman, and his mother, Mary Akuokor Chinery-Hesse (née Blay), was a seasoned diplomat and the first woman to attain the rank of Under Secretary General in the history of the United Nations.  She was also the first woman chancellor of the University of Ghana.

 

Growing up in such an intellectually enriched environment instilled values of leadership and service which would come to define Herman’s legacy as one of Africa’s pioneering tech entrepreneurs.

 

Raised in Ghana, Herman’s early years were spent in the care of his extended family in Jamestown, where he developed a deep connection to his heritage. After beginning his education at Ridge Church School, he later attended Mfantsipim School, where he built the foundation for his eventual journey into technology and entrepreneurship.

 

In 1982, Herman moved to the United States, where he attended Westlake High School in Texas. He subsequently earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Technology from Texas State University. His time in the US exposed him to new ideas and the potential for technology to transform economies.

 

He left the US and spent a year in the UK before ultimately making the bold decision to return to Ghana, with a vision to harness technology for African businesses. He cofounded theSOFTtribe Limited in 1991, one of the earliest software companies in West Africa and was a pioneer in developing “tropically sensitive” software, creating solutions tailored to the specific needs of African businesses.

These included their payroll system, Akatua, and other software products such as Gbefalor (a travel package), Battor (forex management), Nzama (stock management), Eziban (restaurant management), Hei Julor!!! (a low cost, mobile – phone based, mass-market security-alert system), Efuom (farm management), Bimbilla (a general ledger), and an E-Susu and E-billing software, that were all essential tools for many local companies.

 

Under his leadership, theSOFTtribe became synonymous with innovation in African tech, and its impact stretched across West and East Africa. Herman’s entrepreneurial ventures and thought leadership earned him much international acclaim and positioned him as a sought-after African voice in technology and innovation.

 

Some of his most notable speaking engagements and media appearances included:

• Harvard Business School, where he spoke about African entrepreneurship, technology, and innovation • United Nations Conferences, where he was a key figure in discussions about technology-driven development in Africa
• World Economic Forum in 2008, where he was recognized as a Technology Pioneer for his groundbreaking work in African tech
• TED Global, where his talks on Africa’s future and the role of self-reliance were widely celebrated
• CNN International, where he was frequently interviewed as an expert on African technology and business
• BBC, where his views on African economic empowerment through technology were prominently featured
• Forbes, which recognized him as one of the leading figures in Africa’s burgeoning tech ecosystem.

Herman and his company have created novel and innovative acclaimed products that have uniquely proved their pedigree in the African environment in areas such as national utility billing and the government payroll.

 

Herman was currently working on his newest innovation, “Afrikan Echoes,” which is aimed at delivering raw African stories to Africa and the world via an app.

 

Over the course of his career, Herman received numerous prestigious awards and appointments in recognition of his work:

1. World Economic Forum Technology Pioneer (2008), recognized for his pioneering work in technology in Africa
2. Microsoft African Partner of the Year, awarded for his leadership in implementing Microsoft technologies across the Continent
3. Ghana Millennium Excellence Award for Information Communication Technology (ICT)
4. Ghana’s Best Entrepreneur in ICT, for his outstanding contributions to entrepreneurship and innovation in Ghana’s tech landscape
5. Lifetime Achievement Award at the Ghana Entrepreneur and Corporate Executive Awards (GECEA), in recognition of his enduring influence on Ghana’s business and technology sectors
6. African Innovation Award for ICT Leadership, awarded for his leadership in driving technology solutions for the African Continent
7. Honorary Chieftaincy Title, bestowed upon him by Ghanaian traditional authorities in recognition of his contributions to national development and technology
8. Ghana Legacy Honours, awarded for his impact in technology
9. Grow, Unite, Build Africa (GUBA), award for exceptional achievement
10. Listed among the annual 15 Black STEM Innovators who have defined the modern world
11. In March 2019, appointed as the Commonwealth Chair for Business and Technology initiatives in Africa
12. Listed as one of the top 100 global thinkers by the US-based publication Foreign Policy Magazine 13. Ghana Club 100 Award for the most innovative company and the “SMS App of the Year” award. 14. The Mobile World Lifetime Achievement Award
13. Appointed an Assessor for the Commercial Courts of Ghana
14. Distinguished Alumnus Award from Texas State University, inducted into the Hall of Fame; the first and currently the only African recipient of the Award, alongside personalities such as former United States President Lyndon B. Johnson.
15. 100 most influential Africans of our time
16. Given the key to the City of San Marcos, Texas.

 

His contributions to the growth of Ghana’s tech ecosystem made him a trusted advisor to governments and international organizations on digital transformation in Africa. He was a mentor to many aspiring African entrepreneurs and took pride in helping to shape the next generation of African tech leaders.

 

Herman was a dedicated advocate for African self-reliance, as he was of the firm belief that Africa could rise to meet its own challenges through innovation. In addition to his tech ventures, Herman made significant investments in real estate, developing the Lubango Heights project in Aburi, which transformed the area into a premier retreat destination.

 

Even the landmark site where he is being laid to rest, Graceland Memorial Garden, came about thanks to his forward-looking partnership with the operators of Gethsemane Cemetery. His real estate ventures also extended to Freetown, further emphasizing his Pan-African vision for development and growth.

 

Though his professional achievements were remarkable, Herman’s personal life was equally fulfilling. In 1993 he married Sadia Clarke, and together they built a successful marriage while supporting each other in their demanding professional careers.

 

He was a devoted father to their two children, Nii Tetey and Naa Densua, and was absolutely thrilled to become a grandfather in 2024 as the family welcomed Luca and Bria.

 

Throughout his career, Herman’s influence stretched beyond his businesses. His frequent media appearances, insightful speeches, and mentorship left an indelible mark on the African Continent and its tech ecosystem.

 

In his later years, he remarked, “I’ve finished my work,” a reflection of his immense sense of satisfaction at what he had achieved and the profound impact he felt he had made. All of this was a testament to the values he held dear.

 

His larger-than-life personality, infectious sense of humor, and love of music—he was convinced he had the largest individual collection of Brazilian music in West Africa, plus jazz, reggae, 70s and 80s pop, and highlife – endeared him to everyone.

 

As we say goodbye to Herman Chinery-Hesse, we celebrate a visionary leader whose passion for Africa, innovation, and development will continue to inspire generations. His legacy as the elder statesman of African technology is secure, and his influence will remain as strong as the bonds he created with family, friends, and colleagues.

Owula Kojo, Old Joe, Herman: We miss you already, but we know your work lives on. Cheerio until we meet again.

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