Mussie Hailemichael

Ethiopian entrepreneur who modernized telecommunications in Africa through his role in founding Ethio Telecom.

Mussie Hailemichael: Pioneering Ethiopia’s Telecom Revolution

Mussie Hailemichael (1943–2017) was a visionary Ethiopian engineer and businessman who transformed telecommunications in Africa. After studying electrical engineering in the U.S., he returned to Ethiopia in the 1970s to address the country’s technological backwardness. In 1985, he co-founded Ethio Telecom, Ethiopia’s first modern telecommunications company, which expanded access to phone lines and later internet services across the nation.

Despite political challenges, Hailemichael persisted in his mission to bridge Ethiopia’s digital divide. His efforts laid the groundwork for the country’s current tech boom, including initiatives like the East Africa Submarine Cable System. He also advocated for affordable internet access, arguing that connectivity was essential for economic development. His autobiography, 《My Life: Ethiopia’s Telecom Revolution》, details his struggles and achievements.

Hailemichael’s legacy is evident in Ethiopia’s growing tech sector, making him a key figure in Africa’s digital transformation.