Natnael Argaw Wondimu

CTO

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia13 yrs 8 mos experience
Highly StableAI Enabled

Key Highlights

  • Led development of pioneering humanoid AI project 'Sophia'.
  • Established multiple academic programs at various degree levels.
  • Spearheaded AI-driven credit scoring system disbursing USD 400 million.
Stackforce AI infers this person is a Fintech leader with extensive experience in AI and data science.

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Skills

Core Skills

Ai StrategyData ScienceAi Powered Systems DevelopmentCredit ScoringUniversity LecturingArtificial Intelligence (ai)ManagementStrategic Planning

Other Skills

IT StrategyDeep Learning and Machine LearningCredit RatingInsurance RiskCustomer Analytics ToolLarge Scale Software DevelopmentResearch and Development (R&D)Software Systems EngineeringHigher Education TeachingFull-Stack DevelopmentDevOpsDatabase AdministrationTeachingHigher Education PolicyArtificial Intelligence Policy

About

Experienced AI researcher with a PhD in Computer Science and Digital Architecture, blending academic depth with leadership across global industries. Former Chief AI Officer, Software Project Manager, Developer, and Architect, with a successful track record in academia and the corporate sector. Spearheaded the development of 'Sophia,' a pioneering humanoid AI project, and led teams through 12+ large-scale initiatives. Specialized in data science, model validation, and AI strategy. Currently leading the AI-powered, alternative data-driven decision technology for a major financial institution in Ethiopia. Extensive international exposure, collaborating with diverse teams and stakeholders across multiple countries. Also contributed to academia by establishing 5 PhD, 6 Master’s, and 3 Bachelor’s programs.

Experience

13 yrs 8 mos
Total Experience
6 yrs 11 mos
Average Tenure
1 yr 8 mos
Current Experience

Kifiya financial technology plc

7 roles

Group CTO

Oct 2025Present · 6 mos · Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

  • Strategic leadership of Core Tech Infrastructures,
  • CTO level leadership of Intelligent Financial Infrastructure, the core tech infra of Kifiya Financial Technology

Fractional CTO

Promoted

Oct 2025Present · 6 mos · Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

  • Intelligent Financial Infrastructure
  • Strategic Technology Leadership
  • Architecture and Platform Design
  • AI and Data Intelligence Enablement
  • Governance, Compliance, and Resilience
  • Innovation Acceleration and Ecosystem Leadership

Chief Technology Officer

Promoted

May 2025Sep 2025 · 4 mos · Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

  • Make AI change lives -- with Kifiya Financial Technology.

Deputy Chief Technology Officer

Mar 2025May 2025 · 2 mos · Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

  • Corporate Strategic Planning

Chief Artificial Intelligence Officer

Aug 2024Jan 2026 · 1 yr 5 mos · Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

IT StrategyAI StrategyData Science

Head of Intelligent Data Driven Decisioning (IDD)

Promoted

Aug 2024Mar 2025 · 7 mos · Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

  • Leading as a lead data scientist driving the development of AI driven credit scoring system that so far disbursed around USD 400 million.

Head of Credit Research and Model Validation

Jan 2024Aug 2024 · 7 mos · Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Data ScienceCredit ScoringCredit RatingInsurance RiskCustomer Analytics ToolLarge Scale Software Development+2

Addis ababa university

Academic School Dean

Jan 2018Dec 2020 · 2 yrs 11 mos

  • Oversee daily operations of the academic center, including staff management, resource allocation, and policy implementation. Develop strategic plans, ensure program quality, and manage the center’s budget. Collaborate with departments, represent the center at events, and handle staff recruitment and development. Ensure compliance with university policies, promote the center’s activities, and foster interdepartmental cooperation. Provide support to stakeholders, report on progress, and maintain a productive, inclusive environment.
ManagementTeachingStrategic PlanningHigher Education PolicyArtificial Intelligence Policy

Icog labs

5 roles

Chief Technology Officer

Promoted

May 2016Jul 2018 · 2 yrs 2 mos

Head of Artificial Intelligence

Promoted

Apr 2015May 2016 · 1 yr 1 mo

Senior ML Engineer

Dec 2014Apr 2015 · 4 mos

Senior Data Scientist (Hanson Robotics)

Promoted

Jun 2014May 2016 · 1 yr 11 mos

AI Software Engineer

Jun 2014Dec 2014 · 6 mos

Addis ababa university

3 roles

Assistant Professor of Computer Science and Digital Architecture

Sep 2011Present · 14 yrs 7 mos

  • Research
  • Teaching
  • Community Service
Research and Development (R&D)University LecturingData Science

Academic Center Head

Promoted

Sep 2011Aug 2014 · 2 yrs 11 mos

  • Oversee daily center operations, including staff management, resource allocation, and policy implementation. Develop strategic plans and collaborate with departments to coordinate programs. Ensure program quality and manage the budget. Represent the center at meetings, oversee staff recruitment and development, and ensure compliance with university policies. Promote the center's activities, foster interdepartmental cooperation, provide support to stakeholders, and report on progress. Stay updated on industry trends and maintain an inclusive work environment.
ManagementUniversity Lecturing

Lecturer

Jun 2011Jun 2023 · 12 yrs

Artificial Intelligence (AI)Data ScienceSoftware Systems EngineeringHigher Education TeachingFull-Stack DevelopmentDevOps+1

Education

ENIB

Doctor of Philosophy - PhD — Computer Science

Feb 2020Jun 2023

Addis Ababa University

Master’s Degree — Computer Science

Jan 2013Jan 2015

Wollega University

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science — Education

Sep 2008Jun 2011

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