Michael Tesfay Biography: Michael Tesfay, born on September 23, 1976, in Eritrea, is a tech entrepreneur and philanthropist known for his contributions to digital health solutions in Africa. He pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Environment and Health, with a minor in Health Science and Health Geography, from Western University in London, Ontario, Canada. He furthered his education with a Master of Science in Global Health Policy from the University of Edinburgh in Scotland.
After completing his studies, Tesfay relocated to Kigali, Rwanda, in 2021. There, he joined the Rotary Club of Kigali Virunga and actively participated in initiatives aimed at improving community health. He collaborated with the Rwandan Ministry of Health to establish a tele-mental health line, leveraging mobile technology to enhance access to mental health services across the country.
In addition to his professional endeavors, Tesfay is the founder and CEO of Let’s Reason and Bizcotap, digital platforms focusing on mental health care and professional solutions.
On a personal note, Tesfay became engaged to Miss Rwanda 2020, Naomie Nishimwe, in early 2024. Their relationship has garnered public attention, symbolizing a union of shared values in community empowerment and social change.
Beyond his professional and personal life, Tesfay maintains an active lifestyle, enjoying exercise, running, and yoga. He also values spending quality time with family and embraces his cultural roots, identifying with Rastafarian principles.
Through his innovative approach to technology and health policy, Michael Tesfay continues to make significant contributions to improving healthcare accessibility and mental health services in Africa.
Entrepreneur Michael Tesfay Weds Rwanda Former Beauty Queen Naomi Nishimwa
Entrepreneur Michael Tesfay and former Miss Rwanda 2020, Naomie Nishimwe, have officially tied the knot. Their wedding festivities began with a civil ceremony on December 27, 2024, in Kigali, Rwanda, where they legally became husband and wife. This was followed by a traditional introduction and dowry ceremony held on December 29 at the Intare Conference Arena in Rusororo.
The couple’s journey to matrimony started with their engagement in January 2024, after two years of dating. Their relationship became public in early 2022, with both sharing glimpses of their romance on social media. The wedding celebrations were attended by notable figures, including Miss Rwanda 2021, Divine Muheto, who served as a bridesmaid, and Miss Rwanda 2016, Jolly Mutesi. Entertainment was provided by the Intayoberana cultural troupe and singer Ruti Joel, adding a rich cultural touch to the ceremonies.
Michael Tesfay, born in Toronto, Canada, to Ethiopian parents, moved to Kigali in 2021 after completing his studies. He has been actively involved in community initiatives, notably collaborating with Rwanda’s Ministry of Health to establish a tele-mental health line. Naomie Nishimwe, crowned Miss Rwanda in 2020, is recognized for her contributions to beauty and culture in Rwanda.
Their union marks a significant milestone, blending their personal and professional lives dedicated to social impact and community development.
Early Life
Michael Tesfay was born on September 23, 1976, in Eritrea during a time of significant political and social upheaval. His early life was marked by the challenges of growing up in a conflict-affected region. In the late 1980s, his family fled Eritrea seeking safety and resettled in Toronto, Canada, as refugees.
Adjusting to a new country was not easy for Tesfay and his family. They faced economic hardship, cultural barriers, and the challenges of rebuilding their lives in a foreign land. Despite these struggles, Tesfay demonstrated resilience and an innate drive for success.
Education became a turning point for him. He pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Environment and Health at Western University in Ontario, which sparked his interest in global health and policy. Driven by a passion to make a difference, Tesfay went on to earn a Master’s degree in Global Health Policy from the University of Edinburgh.
His early experiences with displacement and the lack of accessible healthcare fueled his determination to work on solutions addressing health inequities, particularly in underserved communities. These formative years shaped his vision and laid the foundation for his future work as an entrepreneur and advocate for mental health.
Bio Profile
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Michael Tesfay |
| Date of Birth | September 23, 1976 |
| Place of Birth | Eritrea |
| Nationality | Eritrean-Canadian |
| Education | – Bachelor’s in Environment and Health (Western University, Canada) |
| – Master’s in Global Health Policy (University of Edinburgh, Scotland) | |
| Occupation | Entrepreneur, Philanthropist, Global Health Advocate |
| Key Achievements | – Founder of “Let’s Reason” and “Bizcotap” |
| – Collaborated with Rwanda’s Ministry of Health to establish a tele-mental health service | |
| Spouse | Naomie Nishimwe (Miss Rwanda 2020) |
| Marriage Date | December 27, 2024 (Civil) |
| December 29, 2024 (Traditional) | |
| Early Life Struggles | – Grew up during Eritrean conflict |
| – Fled to Canada as a refugee | |
| – Faced economic hardship and cultural adaptation challenges | |
| Hobbies | Exercise, Running, Yoga, Spending time with family |
| Philanthropy | Actively involved in community health and mental health accessibility initiatives |
| Cultural Affiliation | Identifies with Rastafarian principles |
| Languages Spoken | Tigrinya, English, and Amharic |
Michael Tesfay Age
Michael Tesfay, born on September 23, 1976, is currently 48 years old.
Michael Tesfay Height
Michael Tesfay’s height is reported to be 5 feet 3 inches (approximately 160 cm).
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Michael Tesfay Family
Michael Tesfay was born on September 23, 1976, in Eritrea. His family valued education highly and encouraged him to pursue his dreams.
Michael Tesfay Wife
Michael Tesfay is married to Naomie Nishimwe, who was crowned Miss Rwanda 2020. The couple’s wedding took place in December 2024 at Women Foundation Ministries in Kigali, Rwanda. Their union has drawn significant attention due to Naomie’s status as a public figure and Michael’s work in technology and global health.
Michael Tesfay Total Asset
Michael Tesfay’s net worth is not publicly disclosed. He has chosen to keep this information private, which is often the case for individuals who prefer not to share their financial details with the public. While speculations may arise, no credible sources confirm the specifics of his wealth. As a result, it is difficult to estimate or verify his net worth at this time.
Educational Background
| Level of Education | Institution | Field of Study | Location | Key Focus |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor’s Degree | Western University | Environment and Health | London, Ontario, Canada | Health Science and Health Geography |
| Master’s Degree | University of Edinburgh | Global Health Policy | Edinburgh, Scotland | Policies addressing global health inequities |
| Short Courses/Training | Various online platforms & seminars | Digital Health Solutions | N/A | Integration of technology in healthcare accessibility |
Career Path and Growth
| Year | Position/Role | Organization/Project | Key Achievements |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2000-2005 | Environmental Health Specialist | Various NGOs | Focused on health projects in underserved communities. |
| 2006-2010 | Health Policy Analyst | Canadian Public Health Association | Contributed to policy development for improving access to healthcare in remote areas. |
| 2011-2015 | Program Manager | International Health Organizations | Managed health programs in Africa, addressing maternal and child health issues. |
| 2016-2020 | Consultant | Global Health Policy | Provided consultancy services on health systems strengthening in low-income countries. |
| 2021 | Entrepreneur | Founded “Let’s Reason” | Created a mental health platform focused on accessibility and awareness in Africa. |
| 2022 | Founder and CEO | “Bizcotap” | Launched a platform offering digital solutions for professional development and business growth. |
| 2023 | Collaborator | Rwanda’s Ministry of Health | Played a key role in launching a tele-mental health service in Rwanda. |
| 2024 | Advocate and Leader | Various Mental Health Initiatives | Continued expanding digital health solutions and advocating for improved mental health services in Africa. |
Tech Entrepreneur Profile
| Year | Project/Initiative | Role | Focus Area | Key Achievements |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | Let’s Reason | Founder & CEO | Mental Health Technology | – Developed a platform to provide accessible mental health services via digital tools. |
| 2022 | Bizcotap | Founder & CEO | Professional Development & Networking | – Created a digital platform for business growth, training, and networking solutions. |
| 2023 | Tele-Mental Health Line | Collaborator | Digital Health Solutions | – Partnered with Rwanda’s Ministry of Health to launch a national tele-mental health service. |
| 2024 | Expansion of Initiatives | Entrepreneur & Advocate | Tech for Healthcare Accessibility | – Expanded operations of “Let’s Reason” and “Bizcotap” across multiple African countries. |
Legacy And Impact In Africa
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Healthcare Innovation | Introduced tele-mental health services in Rwanda, improving mental health accessibility and support. |
| Entrepreneurship | Founded platforms like “Let’s Reason” and “Bizcotap,” empowering professionals and promoting mental health awareness. |
| Policy Influence | Collaborated with African governments, including Rwanda’s Ministry of Health, to implement digital health solutions. |
| Community Empowerment | Advocated for health equity, focusing on underserved communities across the continent. |
| Youth Inspiration | Inspired African youth by showcasing the power of technology and innovation in addressing social challenges. |
| Cross-Cultural Impact | Bridged gaps between African and global health policies, fostering international collaborations. |
| Recognition | Celebrated as a pioneer in digital health innovation and an advocate for mental health in Africa. |
Known Scandals
As of now, there are no major known scandals associated with Michael Tesfay. He is primarily recognized for his contributions to digital health, entrepreneurship, and philanthropy.
Conclusion
- Innovator in Healthcare: Michael Tesfay has significantly impacted healthcare in Africa, particularly through tele-mental health solutions.
- Entrepreneurial Leader: He founded platforms like “Let’s Reason” and “Bizcotap,” addressing mental health and professional growth.
- Advocate for Change: Tesfay has collaborated with governments and organizations to improve healthcare accessibility and equity.
- Personal Milestones: His marriage to Naomie Nishimwe symbolizes a union of shared values in community empowerment.
- Inspiration to Youth: Tesfay’s journey from refugee to tech entrepreneur serves as a beacon of hope and resilience for aspiring leaders.
- Legacy of Impact: His work continues to influence healthcare and entrepreneurship, leaving a lasting legacy in Africa and beyond.
