Aniella Niyondiko (Burundi)
Aniella Niyondiko (Burundi)
(Founder and Managing Director of Aheza Iwacu)
Aniella Niyondiko, a visionary leader in the realm of Circular Economy Innovation, is the driving force behind Aheza Iwacu, a pioneering company that champions waste management services and environmental conservation education in Burundi. Recognizing the pressing need for improved waste disposal practices and sustainable waste management in Bujumbura, Burundi's capital city, Aniella founded AHEZA Iwacu in 2016 with a mission to protect the environment, respond promptly to emergencies, and educate communities on responsible management of biological resources derived from waste. Her goal was to ensure equitable and ecologically sustainable use of these resources for the benefit of the population and the environment. Aheza Iwacu is the first waste company in Burundi to have launched a digital platform of waste tracking and collection services to better serve clients by providing constant information on efficient and effective waste management, ease of service accessibility, and Keeping their environment clean and safe. Their technology is capable of adapting to different clients, giving users information that will specifically help them to sort and dispose of their trash aiming to provide unique solutions to each of our client’s problems.
Aheza Iwacu's mission revolves around various core objectives, including safeguarding the environment through effective waste management services, promoting recycling through an integrated waste reduction system, and raising awareness among young people about the significance of a healthy environment and responsible biological resource management. Furthermore, Aniella's initiative extends to improving household food security by introducing bio-intensive agricultural practices at the grassroots level.
With unwavering determination, Aniella aspires to transform Burundi into a Zero-Waste Country, an ambitious vision that revolves around supporting and promoting a circular economy. Her innovative model has effectively transformed waste into a valuable resource through strategic collection, composting, and recycling initiatives across Burundi.
With a solid background in administration, finance, and human resources management, Aniella boasts a decade of professional experience. Currently, she serves as the Head of Finance in a business law firm, all while being the dynamic force behind her social enterprise that addresses waste management and recycling challenges in Burundi. Aniella's diverse engagements also extend to several business projects, where she empowers women by providing them with entrepreneurship, saving, and investment education. Her commitment to empowering women's education and professional development is at the core of her endeavors.
Aniella holds a Bachelor's degree in Communication Sciences for Development and is presently pursuing her Master's degree in Project Management at the esteemed University of Barcelona in Spain. Her pursuit of knowledge and academic excellence is driven by her passion for addressing environmental concerns and uplifting women's status in society. Having participated in the Mandela Washington Fellowship for Africa, Aniella envisions continuing her vital work in strengthening women's education and resolving environmental challenges in her beloved homeland, Burundi. Her relentless dedication to creating sustainable change and her profound commitment to preserving the environment serve as a powerful testament to her leadership and impact on her community and beyond. Aniella Niyondiko's journey is an inspiring tale of resilience, innovation, and transformative action that leaves a lasting positive imprint on both the environment and the lives of countless individuals in Burundi.
Aniella Niyondiko was recognized as a She Achiever and awarded the African Women Award 2022 in the Waste Management Category at the African Women Awards gala in Cairo, Egypt. The awards recognize women from all across Africa who have been outstanding in their professional activities and have positively impacted their respective communities amidst the pandemic.
(Information from Lionesses of Africa, Wiki Mzansi, Aheza Iwacu, Segal Family Foundation)