Dagmawi-M
I'm Dagmawi Mekonnen, a dedicated software engineer and open knowledge advocate from Ethiopia. I contribute to Wikimedia projects to help preserve and share our collective knowledge — especially around Ethiopian history, Science, and notable People.
| — Wikimedian — | |
| Name | Dagmawi Mekonnen |
|---|---|
| Born | March 14, 1997 Addis Ababa, Ethiopia |
| Education and employment | |
| Occupation | Software Engineer |
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About me
I'm a passionate Ethiopian software engineer and Wikimedia contributor. I believe in the power of accessible knowledge and the role technology plays in making it widely available. I enjoy working on digital identity systems, open source tools, and fostering cross-cultural collaboration through knowledge sharing.
Career
Currently, I work on the Ethiopian National ID project (FaydaID), helping develop a secure and inclusive identity system. My role involves building both frontend and backend systems, managing system integrations, and contributing to a project that empowers millions across Ethiopia.
Wikimedia involvement
In 2023, I co-founded the Wikimedia User Group Ethiopia. Our group promotes free knowledge, supports local contributors, and organizes events like workshops, edit-a-thons, and Wiki Loves campaigns.
In 2024, I attended WikiIndaba 2024 in South Africa, where I shared ideas with Wikimedians from across the continent and formed new partnerships to amplify our collective impact in East Africa.
Community outreach
As an organizer, I’ve helped launch and coordinate outreach programs that introduce Wikipedia to new communities in Ethiopia.
Our very first engagement as a user group was our participation in the Africa Wiki Challenge 2023, which helped us build our capacity as organizers and editors. Building on that momentum, we are currently preparing to organize Africa Wiki Challenge 2025 in Ethiopia — expanding participation and highlighting local stories.
Another flagship campaign is:
- Wiki Loves Folklore 2025 - Ethiopia: Celebrating Ethiopia’s vibrant cultural heritage — music, clothing, food, and festivals — through photography and shared knowledge.
These efforts encourage broader participation from underrepresented groups and help showcase Ethiopia’s cultural diversity globally.
Learn more about our work:
Moments from the journey
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Workshop session with new contributors -
Training participants during edit-a-thon -
Organizing team for Wiki Loves Folklore 2025 -
At WikiIndaba 2024 in South Africa
Highlights
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Facilitating workshop
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New editor onboarding -
Wiki Loves Folklore 2025 Committee