Project Africa Ethiopia Founder Ms. Haimanot Sisay on ኛቲኦናል Television, Championing Gem Education
Project Africa Ethiopia’s commitment to transforming Ethiopia’s gem industry received significant national attention through two impactful television appearances by our visionary founder, Ms. Haimanot Sisay. These interviews on Ethiopian Television(EBC) provided a crucial platform to educate the public and key stakeholders about the immense potential within the country’s gem sector and the pivotal role of specialized education.
The first interview took place on December 9, 2023, where Ms. Haimanot Sisay engaged in a compelling discussion, highlighting the foundational aspects of WGF Project Africa Ethiopia’s mission. She articulated the urgency and importance of:
Gemological Education: Emphasizing how formal training empowers individuals to identify, grade, and value gemstones accurately, thereby unlocking greater economic benefits for Ethiopia.
The Value of Local Resources: Discussing the rich diversity of gemstones found in Ethiopia and the critical need for these resources to be processed and valued within the country, rather than being exported as raw materials.
Project Africa Ethiopia’s Vision for the Future: Outlining our ambitious plans to create a sustainable gem value chain in Africa, driven by local expertise and adhering to international standards
Following this, on March 13, 2024, Ms. Haimanot Sisay once again appeared on Ethiopian Television. In this subsequent interview, she delved deeper into the ongoing work of the World Gem Foundation here in Ethiopia and provided updates on our Project Africa initiative. This follow-up appearance allowed for a more detailed exploration of the practical steps being taken, the challenges being addressed, and the tangible progress being made. It further solidified the public’s understanding of our commitment to:
Capacity Building: Showcasing how WGF Project Africa Ethiopia is directly training a new generation of Ethiopian gemologists and professionals.
Ethical Practices: Stressing the importance of transparency, traceability, and fair trade within the gem industry to ensure that benefits reach local communities.
International Collaboration: Highlighting the global partnerships, such as with the World Gem Foundation, that bring world-class standards and expertise to Ethiopia.
Elevating Awareness and Driving Change
These national television appearances by Ms. Haimanot Sisay were instrumental in:
Raising Public Awareness: Educating a broad Ethiopian audience about the often-overlooked value of their nation’s gem resources and the economic opportunities that gemological knowledge can unlock. This helps shift perceptions and encourages greater participation in the formal gem sector.
Building Trust and Credibility: Showcasing WGF Project Africa Ethiopia’s leadership and expertise, thereby building trust with potential students, industry partners, and the general public.
Inspiring Future Gemologists: For many young Ethiopians, these interviews offered a glimpse into a viable and exciting career path, potentially inspiring them to pursue gemological studies.
Reinforcing National Goals: Aligning WGF Project Africa Ethiopia’s efforts with the government’s broader objectives for economic diversification, value addition, and job creation within the mining sector.
Ms. Haimanot Sisay’s articulate and passionate advocacy on national television has been a cornerstone of WGF Project Africa Ethiopia’s outreach efforts, providing crucial insights into our foundational work and the transformative impact we envision for Ethiopia’s gem industry.