Ms. Samrawit Fikru
Founder and CEO, RIDE (Hybrid Designs)
Ms. Samrawit Fikru's story is a testament to the power of human potential. Born and raised in Assela, Ethiopia, a town 167 kilometers east of Addis Ababa, Samrawit's early life wasn't filled with abundant resources. Yet, her first encounter with a computer at the age of 17 sparked a passion for technology that would propel her to become a leading figure in Ethiopia's tech revolution.
Despite the limitations, Ms. Fikru's curiosity and determination led her to navigate the com-plexities of the tech world. This journey culminated in the founding of Hybrid Designs, the company behind RIDE, Ethiopia's most popular transport-hailing app. Launched in 2014, RIDE transformed the transportation landscape in Ethiopia, offering a safe, convenient, and afford-able alternative to traditional taxis. .
Ms. Fikru's innovation and entrepreneurial spirit haven't gone unnoticed. In 2022, she was recognized as one of the BBC's among 100 influential Women [BBC 100 Women]. Fikru's achievements were further acknowledged with her inclusion on the Rest of World's 100 Global Tech Change makers list, solidifying her place as a driving force in global technological advancement [Rest of World's 100 Global Tech Change makers].