Haimanot Sisay
Ms. Haimanot Sisay is the pioneering founder and CEO of the Africa Gemological Training Institute (AGTI). A graduate in Computer Science from Mekele University, she later pursued her dream of becoming Ethiopia’s first female gemologist, trained at the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). Her determination led to the establishment of Project Africa, Ethiopia’s first gemological school, laboratory, and faceting center, a legally registered company solely owned and directed by Ms. Sisay.
Her vision was to make gem education accessible in Africa, leading her to collaborate with the World Gem Foundation(WGF), founded by Mr. Geoffrey Dominy and co-owned by her. Although complications arose with the WGF, Ms. Sisay’s commitment saw AGTI through its inaugural gemology graduation, attended by Ethiopian officials, ambassadors, and press. Since then, AGTI has trained Ethiopia’s first team of 12 certified gemologists and 10 faceting professionals, including Ms. Sisay herself, making her both a gemologist and faceting professional.
Artisanal Miners Outreach Program
A philanthropist at heart, Ms. Sisay is actively involved in empowering artisanal miners through free training in safe mining, gemstone value preservation, and ethical practices across Ethiopia. Her vision is to position Ethiopia as Africa’s gemology hub, expanding affordable education, accessible certification labs, and advancing responsible mining across the continent.
Haimanot The Teacher
Instructor
Ms. Haimanot Teaches Gemology, Gem Faceting, Colored Gemstone and Diamond Courses to her students to date.
Haimanot The Professionals
Gem Facetor
Ms. Haimanot Is often found in the workshop along with her employees cutting and polishing gemstones. She enjoys making sure things are done to the highest standard by being a part of the solution.
Haimanot The Team Leader
THE CEO
Ms. Haimanot currently employs 10 People and is expanding her business ensuring her goals and visions are implemented.
Project Africa to AGTI
Ms Haimanot The visionary behind Project Africa has now grown her small project accomplishing her goals in Ethiopia. Her new Logo expresses this exact growth as this institution has grown into something more.