Armel
CODJIA

Software Developer

AI/ML Enthusiast

Cloud & Data Engineer

Software developer with 5+ years of experience specializing in AI-driven applications and data platforms. I work mainly with Python (Django, Flask) and JavaScript (React.js, Node.js) and have solid AWS cloud infrastructure experience. I've delivered scalable solutions including a data visualization platform used by five government stakeholders and an AI-powered plant identification system that hit 98% accuracy in field tests. I enjoy leading cross-functional teams and finding ways to automate things, my work has driven 15-40% efficiency gains including cutting 40 hours a month off data processing.

Contact Me

About Me

My story

I'm a software developer with over 5 years of hands-on experience building things that actually solve problems. I specialize in AI-driven applications, data platforms, and full-stack web development. I have a Master of Science in Information Technology from Carnegie Mellon University, with specializations in Software Engineering and IT Entrepreneurship.

Before CMU, I spent two years at TechnoServe building a data visualization platform for the cashew industry in Benin. The platform pulled together satellite imagery, drone scans, and ground data into one unified dashboard that five government stakeholders now rely on for decision-making. I also worked with Digital Management in Tunisia on marketing tech, and with J'M Agency where I helped revamp an e-commerce platform that saw a 23% jump in sales.

One of my favorite projects was PlantID Benin, an AI-powered mobile app that identifies medicinal plants native to Benin using computer vision. We achieved 98% accuracy in field tests, and the feedback from users was really encouraging.

Right now I'm doing independent consulting work, helping early-stage startups go from concept to first release. I've delivered production-ready MVPs that onboarded 700+ users and generated early revenue. I also serve as a research assistant and teaching assistant at CMU, where students say I make complex concepts easy to understand.

I'm always looking for new challenges where I can combine my full-stack skills, cloud architecture experience, and AI/ML knowledge to build something meaningful.

Residence: Rwanda
Freelance: Available
Address: Kigali

Services

What I Do

Full-Stack
Development

I build end-to-end web applications, from clean front-ends with React.js to solid back-ends with Django, Flask, or Node.js. I focus on writing code that's maintainable and delivers a smooth user experience. Whether it's an MVP for a startup or a complex data platform, I make sure it works reliably.

AI & Machine
Learning

I have hands-on experience building AI-driven applications, from a plant identification system using computer vision (98% accuracy) to integrating satellite imagery with ML-powered geospatial platforms. I enjoy turning data into something actionable and useful.

API Development
& Integration

I design and build RESTful APIs that connect systems together smoothly. I've integrated with shipping carrier APIs, government data platforms, and third-party services like CommCare and Alteia. I make sure data flows cleanly between systems.

Cloud &
DevOps

I deploy and maintain applications on AWS with tools like Docker and Kubernetes. I've managed production servers with 99.9% uptime and set up CI/CD pipelines. I believe in automating everything that can be automated.

Experience

Working with

2025-Present

Independent Consultant
Various (Rwanda)

Led architecture design and core feature development for early-stage startup products, guiding technical decisions from initial concept to first release.
Delivered production-ready MVPs using Python, Django, PostgreSQL, AdonisJS, and MongoDB — onboarded 700+ users and contributed to $5.6k in early revenue.
Served as a research assistant for academic labs: ran experiments, wrote and debugged research code, analyzed datasets, and prepared publication-ready figures and tables.

2022-2023

Web Developer
Digital Management

Implemented high-performance algorithms and Chrome extensions for extracting and processing Facebook data for over 4,000 users daily, boosting campaign ROI by 22%.
Maintained server infrastructure with 99.9% uptime for critical marketing operations.
Translated complex client requirements into efficient project designs, accelerating delivery by 20% while meeting 90% of initial scope.

2022-2024

Software Developer
TechnoServe

Completed development and deployment of a data visualization platform designed to optimize decision-making in the cashew industry.
Engineered and deployed the Cashew Dashboard on AWS EC2, boosting user engagement by 15% and enhancing data accessibility for five government stakeholders.
Architected integration of satellite imagery, drone scans, and ground-level data into a ML-powered geospatial platform, unifying 12+ data layers to map cashew farms across Benin.
Orchestrated cross-platform collaboration between Commcare, Cashew Quality app, and Alteia, saving over 40 hours monthly in data processing.

2021-2022

Software Developer
J'M Agency

Delivered eight client projects with a 95% satisfaction rate.
Revamped an e-commerce platform — optimizations drove a 23% increase in sales within six months.
Collected, defined, and translated user requirements into project designs and implementation plans.

2021-2021

Software Developer
CERCO Institute

Engineered a robust Odoo module using Python, XML, and MySQL, reducing data retrieval time by 40%.
Boosted client inquiries 15% through development of a real estate platform featuring responsive property search with geolocation filters, automated CRM sync, and a mobile-optimized listing interface.

Education

Studied at

2024-2025

Carnegie Mellon University
Master of Science in IT

Currently pursuing my MSIT at CMU's Rwanda campus with specializations in Software Engineering and IT Entrepreneurship. Also serving as a Teaching Assistant, where I lead lectures, mentor students, and make complex concepts easy to understand.

2022-2022

Udacity
Full Stack Developer Nanodegree

Completed a nanodegree covering SQL and Data Modeling, API Development, Identity Access Management, containerization, and deployment.

2019-2022

CERCO Institute
Bachelor of Business IT

Studied Business Information Technology with a specialization in Computer Programming. This is where I built my foundation in software development, databases, and systems design.

Language Skills

Reading and writing

French

95%
Fon

90%
English

80%

Coding Skills

Developing on

92%

Python
90%

Django
78%

JavaScript
75%

AWS
72%

React.js
72%

Node.js
70%

Docker
65%

Java

Reviews

What people say

Martin Boton

TechnoServe

Armel is more than a software developer. He is polyvalent and has a team work spirit. It's been great working with him and I won't lose the opportunity to have him on any future projects.

CMU Student

Carnegie Mellon University

The TA is very supportive, especially when the lecturer is not around. He gives us helpful sessions and explains concepts in a simple and clear way, which makes it easier for us to understand.

Graduate Student

Carnegie Mellon University

The TA was clear and supportive, making complex topics easier to understand. His explanations were well-structured, and he was approachable for questions. I really appreciate his dedication and patience.

MSIT Student

Carnegie Mellon University

Armel is very good at what he does — he is very well informed about the topics and explains the concepts very clearly. He provides critical feedback when approached with questions, and he addresses everyone with the same vibe, whether a friend or a new student.

Clients

My partners