From Addis Ababa to AI innovation

For Ellon Berhanu (MSEAI '25) the pursuit of innovation was not just academic—it was deeply personal. From launching a student cloud certification initiative to eyeing a future as a tech CEO, Berhanu's journey from Ethiopia to Rwanda and beyond reflects the aspirations of a new generation of African engineers reshaping the digital future.

Berhanu's immediate goal is to become a solutions architect—a role that bridges the gap between business and technology by designing scalable, cloud-based systems. "It's where my passion for engineering meets my interest in business strategy," he said. With five Amazon Web Services (AWS) certifications and hands-on experience as a cloud consultant, Berhanu is well on his way.

Before joining CMU-Africa, Berhanu studied software engineering at Addis Ababa Science and Technology University, one of Ethiopia's premier technical institutions. He first encountered CMU-Africa through an online information session hosted by university staff and alumni, an experience he said "sparked a fire" that led to his application. Although financial constraints delayed his enrollment, he persevered, gaining valuable work experience and certifications in the interim.

Upon arriving at CMU-Africa, Berhanu quickly identified a gap he could fill. "I realized I came here with five certifications in AWS, and I knew this opportunity could benefit others," he said. In response, he founded CMU-Africa's first AWS Cloud Club, now a thriving community of students pursuing cloud certifications and practical cloud computing skills. To date, the club has helped 12 students receive sponsorships for training and certification exams, with seven already certified.

I’ve made friends from 19 African countries. It’s made me more aware of what pan-African collaboration can achieve.

Ellon Berhanu, (MSEAI '25)

"Having these certifications makes a huge difference in job prospects," Berhanu said. "It gives students a verified skill set and a broader understanding of cloud technologies."

Berhanu's technical ambitions align with his leadership instincts. He has a long-term vision: to become a CEO of a major tech company. "In the next two decades, that's where I see myself," he said confidently.

His experience at CMU-Africa has been a pivotal chapter in that journey. He credits the program's technical rigor and multicultural environment for expanding both his skill set and worldview. "I've made friends from 19 African countries," he said. "It's made me feel more connected to the continent and more aware of what pan-African collaboration can achieve."

One academic highlight was his work in the Machine Learning for Earth Observation course. Knowing he would intern on a forest fire forecasting project with Microsoft's support, Berhanu tailored his coursework to fit the challenge. His performance led to a teaching assistant role, a reflection of his commitment to both learning and leading.

In 2024, Berhanu traveled to Las Vegas to attend a major global tech conference, where he met engineers from around the world. The experience, he said, opened his eyes to the global tech landscape and inspired him to pursue a Ph.D. in the future. "Seeing Swami Sivasubramanian, Amazon's vice president for data and AI, speak at the keynote was life-changing," Berhanu said. "For the first time, I saw someone I wanted to become."

Still, he remains grounded. Berhanu plans to return to the climate solutions company that supported his education before seeking new opportunities at AWS or Microsoft—both of which he's already engaged with through internships and industry partnerships.

When asked what advice he'd give to fellow African engineers, Berhanu emphasized self-awareness. "Listen to your inner voice," he said. "Whether it's pursuing a Ph.D. or joining the industry, make sure it aligns with your vision."

At just 25, Berhanu is already a community builder, technologist, and mentor. And if his journey so far is any indication, the best is yet to come.