From Scarcity to Strategy: How Sosena Terefe is Powering Africa’s Digital Future

In a country where digital infrastructure was once nearly nonexistent, Sosena Terefe saw more than a technological gap, she saw an opportunity to create a lasting impact, not just chase hype.  Her mission was seemingly simple but driven by a clear purpose: to empower underserved communities and institutions across Ethiopia through practical, scalable, and locally relevant digital solutions.

That vision became reality in 2016 with the founding of ETM Software, a company that has since become a quiet but powerful force in Ethiopia and Africa’s digital transformation.

In 2015, just a year before the establishment of ETM software, Ethiopia was one of the least connected countries in the world, with an internet penetration rate of 12%, according to data from the International Telecommunication Union.  Since then, Ethiopia’s tech scene has been marked by a mix of digital scarcity and ambitious innovation. A prime example is Sosena Terefe and her brainchild, ETM Software.

When they started ETM Software, co-founders Sosena Terefe and Mikiyas Amdu shared one clear goal: to create a company that doesn’t just build, but builds with context, addressing the unique needs of the country and its institutions.

With no outside investment, the duo fully bootstrapped the startup, building it from the ground up. In its early days, ETM focused on building custom software for organizations still reliant on outdated systems or manual processes common reality in Ethiopia at the time. Over time, the team expanded its services to include machine learning and AI-powered tools that automate workflows and support data-driven decision-making. This evolution from bootstrapping to advanced technology work was gradual and deliberate, ensuring each step addressed real, local challenges.

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