Betelhem Getachew

Pioneered internet infrastructure in Africa through her work with the Internet Society

Betelhem Getachew (born 1972) is a visionary Ethiopian computer scientist and internet pioneer who made groundbreaking contributions to expanding internet access across Africa. As a founding member of the Internet Society's Africa chapter, she co-developed the first Pan African IP backbone network that connected 40 African countries by 2000. Her work directly enabled the continent's digital transformation, creating pathways for education, commerce, and governance in regions previously isolated from global connectivity.

Getachew's technical innovations included developing low-cost networking solutions adapted to Africa's unique infrastructure challenges. She pioneered the use of satellite-based internet distribution systems that bypassed the need for expensive terrestrial cables in remote areas. Her leadership in establishing the African Network Operators Group (AFNOG) created a sustainable framework for regional technical collaboration.

Her advocacy led to the creation of the African Internet Exchange Points that reduced continental internet traffic costs by over 70%. This infrastructure now supports over 500 million internet users across Africa. Getachew's work was recognized through the Women in Technology International Hall of Fame (2015) and the Global Information Infrastructure Commission Award (2003).

Today, her legacy is evident in initiatives like the African Union's e-Africa Commission. She currently serves as Vice President for Global Internet Development at the Internet Society, continuing her mission to bridge the digital divide. Key projects include the Dot Africa top-level domain initiative and rural connectivity programs using solar-powered mesh networks.

Learn more about her work at Internet Society Profile and Wikipedia Entry.