ABOUT US
The Africa Gemological Training Institute (AGTI)
The Africa Gemological institute established in 2023, originally founded as Project Africa, was launched to empower African communities by advancing gemstone education, laboratory services, and international market access. Renamed AGTI to reflect its broader vision, we are committed to fostering sustainable growth across the African gem industry.
Our History
Project Africa was created by Ms. Himanot Sisay, the first GIA-certified female gemologist residing in Ethiopia.
As a pioneering Ethiopian initiative, it was her vision to build a sustainable, self-sufficient gem industry in Africa, serving local communities.
She was able to establish the company as a legally registered educational institution spearheading the development and accomplishing amazing strides.
WGF Involvement
he World Gem Foundation(WGF) collaborated with African Gemological training institute (AGTI) in the training of the first 12 generations of gemologists in Addis abeba by co-sponsoring students.
While Mr. Geoffrey Dominy’s (CEO WGF) employment as an instructor in AGTI was subsequently terminated due to misconduct, the African Gemological Training Institute(AGTI) expresses its gratitude to the World Gem Foundation (WGF) for its valuable collaboration in these training programs.
Our First Grduates
Gemology Graduates
AGTI with the collaboration of the WGF Project Africa managed to graduate 12 gemology Students, with the support of ministry of mines and H.E Eng. Habtamu Tegegne, embassy representatives and media present in the graduation ceremony.
This amazing day was sponsored by the Ministry of Mines, Ethiopian Airlines which supported the development of local innovation, Tona coffee and Nuna Ethiopia our instrumental supporter in every step we take.
The ministry of mines was with the project every step of the way and we would like to express our deepest gratitude.
Faceting
The next achievement is the graduation of 10 faceting professionals trained by internationally renowned Gem cutting professionals.
This class is of gem cutters was one of the main point of the AGTI value chain which plans to educate, Add value and create market in the gemstone industry of Ethiopia and Africa.
AGTI Value Chain
The primary goal of our initiative is to ensure that local communities economically benefit from the mining and processing of their gemstones. To achieve this, the AGTI is focused on Establishing educational institutions where students can study gemology, gem faceting, and jewelry making beyond this artisanal outreach programs are conducted to ensure safe and scientific methodologies are used when extracting gemstones.
We have also set-up laboratories to ensure that gemstones are correctly identified, graded, and traced to their original source.
Finally we are working on creating platforms that provide selling opportunities for African gem producers by opening up new markets and giving them access to foreign currency.
Gem faceting Course
As one of the cornerstones of the value chain we have educated ten gem faceting professionals, and we now have completed our value chain.
further more we are working on conducting artisanal miners outreach program, to influence the quality of gems produced
Join The Professionals
Registrations are open
Please give us a call if you want us to clarify anything
Call Us
+251 911 40 23 90
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Visit Us
You can also come by to check out our services and facilities. Come to Orda bld'g, 15th floor - Legahar , Addis Abeba, Ethiopia
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