Sourcing

The World Gem Foundation’s ‘Project Africa’ Aims to Level the Playing Field

SourcingDec 21, 2022

The World Gem Foundation’s ‘Project Africa’ Aims to Level the Playing Field

In a Q&A, founder Geoff Dominy shares WGF’s plans for training a generation of gemologists in gem-producing countries in Africa.

20221221_WGF-header.jpg
World Gem Foundation founder Geoff Dominy recently gave a lecture about valuing colored gemstones at the Addis Ababa Science and Technology University in Ethiopia.
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia—The World Gem Foundation provides gemological education across the world, and through a new project is using its experience in the area to train a generation of gemologists in gem-producing countries in Africa. 

The foundation has 17 gem academies globally, but recently set its sights on leveling the playing field in source countries in Africa by making gemological education accessible and affordable there.

Project Africa just launched its first phase in Ethiopia. 

While working on the initiative in the country, World Gem Foundation founder Geoff Dominy recently granted National Jeweler an email interview to learn more about it. Here’s what he had to say.

National Jeweler: When did the idea for Project Africa take form, and why did you want to do it?

Geoff Dominy: I remember visiting the Tucson Gem and Mineral Show in the late 1980s and talking to dealers from Sri Lanka. For many, Tucson was their first experience outside of Sri Lanka and they were amazed at the prices. It was a real eye opener. They finally realized the true value of their goods on the world stage.

When I started the World Gem Foundation in 2015, one of the mandates was to make gemological education accessible and affordable in the key gem-producing areas. Even today, gem producers in certain parts of the world are oblivious to their true value, and while this obviously benefits foreign buyers, the reality is that most gem-producing areas are also the poorest. We need to change the current dynamic. The people living in these gem-rich areas must benefit socially and economically from these valuable resources.

20221221_WGF-team.jpg
World Gem Foundation founder Geoff Dominy at left and Project Africa Director of Operations Haimanot Sisay at right


Project Africa really took off in February 2022. One of our Ethiopian scholarship students Haimanot Sisay came to Mallorca, Spain, to complete her practical studies. She talked about her dream of bringing gemological education to Ethiopia and Africa. She was passionate about it. She was looking for an organization to support her and to make courses and programs available. We were completely on the same page, and I promised her that if she could get the ‘powers to be’ to commit to supporting us, we would come to Ethiopia.

For the next eight months, she worked tirelessly, meeting the minister of mines and anyone who might help, including the University of Addis Ababa. Finally, we reached the point where we felt it was necessary for me to come and show that we were fully committed. Moving to Ethiopia made a huge ‘statement of intent’ that really seems to have mobilized the people here. The energy and support I have witnessed over the last five weeks have been amazing. It’s a testament to the fact that if everyone works together anything is possible.

Haimanot is now our director of operations for Project Africa because she deserves to take full credit for getting us this far.

NJ: What exactly is its mission?

GD: It’s to finally give Africans the gemological educational tools they need to responsibly manage their gem resources. With our 1000/10 initiative, we are aiming to train 1,000 gemologists over the next 10 years so we can create a pool of professional gemologists who will ensure Africa benefits from these resources. 

NJ: What has been the process to get the initiative going? What challenges did you run into?

GD: One of the biggest challenges in business is to understand the culture, the mentality, and the unique aspects of life. I lived in Spain for eight years, and Starbucks have started opening stores there. They want to Americanize Spanish coffee. Spaniards are very particular about their coffee, and they don’t want foreigners coming in and imposing their ‘style’ of doing business. The same is true here in Ethiopia and Africa. You must be sensitive to the cultural differences. We are guests here, therefore we need to be respectful and find a way of doing business that does not alienate the people here. 

At the World Gem Foundation, we talk about training the next generation of gemologists, but here in Africa, there is not even a first generation of gemologists. This must change.  

I have never been one to ask for help, so ‘funding’ is completely foreign to me. However, even in five short weeks, I now understand why it is necessary. People simply do not have money, so how do you educate them if they cannot afford it? If we want to reach as many people as possible, we must find a way to fund this program. Nothing in life is for free. Someone somewhere bears the cost. If it is not the end user, then it is somebody else along the food chain. Some things can be provided for free but others, such as teachers’ salaries, are harder to absorb. We are not a huge company, so unlike other organizations, we cannot simply write this off. We are a not-for-profit Canadian company; we are not a registered charity.

So, funding will always be the major challenge. I do believe, however, that the timing is right to start this initiative. I watched in disbelief a video that has gone viral called ‘Keep Africa Poor.’ It talks about the resources here in Africa and their importance to the rest of the world. The problem is the rest of the world does not want to pay fair value for these resources. They want to protect the bottom line. Paying more means charging more and that is not good for business.

Over the last hundred years, billions and billions of dollars of raw materials have been taken out of Africa, and yet Africa is still poor. Everyone I have spoken to here has seen the video and they share my viewpoint. Yes, I understand that all these resources are needed, but how can we take them and leave the host countries impoverished?

NJ: You’ve just begun the first phase. What does that include?

GD: The first phase includes creating a Centre of Excellence that will offer the World Gem Foundation gemological programs. This will be a joint venture with an Ethiopian corporation that shares our vision, and we are hoping to start the first 25-week Career Gemmologist Diploma program (750 hours) in January 2023.

NJ: Can you share what Phase Two might look like?

GD: Phase Two will include the establishment of a laboratory so that traders from all over Ethiopia can have their goods graded and valued. Phase Three will include the creation of a cutting school, and Phase Four will see us establish a jewelry-making school. We are hopeful that all will be up and running by the end of 2023.

20221221_WGF-gemologist.jpg
World Gem Foundation gemologist Clever Sithole


Ultimately, we want to create a sustainable model that can be implemented throughout Africa and that covers the entire supply chain. While our initial plans have targeted Ethiopia, Kenya, DRC, Nigeria, and Sierra Leone, we are already getting interest from other countries. I am hopeful they will come, see what we are achieving, and want to work with us to set up similar centers.

We need to build a solid foundation so that this initiative can endure and be operational far into the future. At the World Gem Foundation, we talk about training the next generation of gemologists, but here in Africa, there is not even a first generation of gemologists. This must change. 

NJ: What can the industry do to help?

GD: As I mentioned earlier, funding is our biggest challenge. It would be wonderful if some of the big players in the industry got involved. I am tired of hearing words instead of actions. We all make a living from the gem industry, so I believe it is important that we do everything we can to support it and those engaged in it.

I know some will not be in favor of this initiative. They don’t want to change the current dynamic and will resist change, but I have always said there’s no downside to education. It is the greatest gift you can give a person. It empowers people and has the ability to transform lives. I truly hope that people will see the ‘bigger picture’ and embrace this initiative. Collectively, we can make a huge difference here in Africa, and I am determined that one way or another, we will succeed.  

 Related stories will be right here … 

The Latest

Iowa jeweler Herman Ginsberg
IndependentsApr 24, 2025
Longtime Iowa Jeweler Herman Ginsberg Dies at 99

A third-generation jeweler, Ginsberg worked at his family’s store, Ginsberg Jewelers, from 1948 until his retirement in 2019.

Charles & Colvard moissanite ring
FinancialsApr 24, 2025
Charles & Colvard Delisted From Nasdaq Due to Noncompliance

The company failed to file its quarterly reports in a timely manner.

Mined + Found "Hope" Matchbox Locket
TrendsApr 24, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: So Charming

Charms may be tiny but with their small size comes endless layering possibilities, from bracelets to necklaces and earrings.

gia1d100 btyb.jpg
Brought to you by
Protect Your Customers and Your Business

The risk of laboratory-grown diamonds being falsely presented as natural diamonds presents a very significant danger to consumer trust.

Wolf CEO Simon Wolf
EditorsApr 24, 2025
Q&A: Wolf’s CEO Talks U.S. Expansion

Simon Wolf shares why the time was right to open a new office here, what he looks for in a retail partner, and why he loves U.S. consumers.

Weekly QuizApr 18, 2025
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Bulgari’s expanded factory in Valenza, Italy
MajorsApr 23, 2025
Bulgari Doubles Size of Jewelry Factory in Italy

Located in Valenza, the now 355,000-square-foot facility includes a new jewelry school that’s open to the public, Scuola Bulgari.

Jason McNary accepting FGI Fine Jewelry Rising Star award for Paola Sasplugas
Events & AwardsApr 23, 2025
PDPaola Creative Director Wins FGI’s ‘Rising Star’ Award

Paola Sasplugas, co-founder of the Barcelona-based jewelry brand, received the Fine Jewelry Award.

gia-topimage 0325.jpg
Brought to you by
A Brilliant Future Is Here

Get online education from GIA experts.

1999 Cosmograph Daytona, Ref.16516
AuctionsApr 23, 2025
Rare Custom Rolex Daytona Heads to Auction

A platinum Zenith-powered Daytona commissioned in the late ‘90s will headline Sotheby’s Important Watches sale in Geneva next month.

Carmelo Anthony and Jaylen Brown David Yurman campaign
MajorsApr 23, 2025
David Yurman’s New Campaign Stars Carmelo Anthony, Jaylen Brown

The basketball stars wear men’s jewelry from the “Curb Chain” collection.

Woman wearing Zales jewelry
MajorsApr 22, 2025
Zales’ Rebrand Takes Playful Approach to Fine Jewelry

The Signet Jewelers-owned retailer wants to encourage younger shoppers to wear fine jewelry every day, not just on special occasions.

JAR Apricot Blossom bracelet
AuctionsApr 22, 2025
Christie’s to Auction JAR Jewelry Collection

The 21 pieces, all from a private collector, will be offered at its Magnificent Jewels auction next month.

National Jeweler columnist Lilian Raji
ColumnistsApr 22, 2025
The PR Adviser: Building Buzz Through Word of Mouth

Lilian Raji answers a question from a reader who is looking to grow her jewelry business but has a limited marketing budget.

Avi Levy
GradingApr 22, 2025
Avi Levy Is GCAL By Sarine’s New Chief Growth Officer

GCAL by Sarine created the new role to sharpen the company’s focus on strategic partnerships and scalable expansion.

Scottsdale Fine Jewelers store exterior
IndependentsApr 22, 2025
Brinker’s Jewelers Acquires Fellow Independent

The Indiana jeweler has acquired Scottsdale Fine Jewelers in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Cartier Exhibition Installation at Victoria & Albert Museum
Events & AwardsApr 21, 2025
An Exhibition Exploring the History of Cartier Is Now on Display

“Cartier: Design, Craft, and Legacy” opened earlier this month at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.

Bill and Birdie Levine of Van Cott Jewelers
IndependentsApr 21, 2025
New York Jeweler to Close After 111 Years

Van Cott Jewelers in Vestal, New York, is hosting a going-out-of-business sale.

IJO Director Samantha Larson
IndependentsApr 21, 2025
IJO Names New Director of Vendor Relations, Merchandise Strategy

Industry veteran Samantha Larson has held leadership roles at Borsheims, McTeigue & McClelland, Stuller, and Long’s Jewelers.

Events & AwardsApr 21, 2025
Jewelers of Louisiana, Mississippi Jewelers Association to Co-Host Convention

The two organizations will hold the educational event together this fall in Mississippi.

Daymond John
Events & AwardsApr 18, 2025
Daymond John to Give Keynote at JCK Las Vegas

The entrepreneur and “Shark Tank” star will share his top tips for success.

Dukachi Easter Bread Pendant
CollectionsApr 18, 2025
Piece of the Week: Dukachi’s ‘Easter Bread’ Pendant

The Ukrainian brand’s new pendant is modeled after a traditional paska, a pastry often baked for Easter in Eastern European cultures.

Bremer Jewelry
IndependentsApr 18, 2025
Bremer Jewelry to Reveal Renovated Store

The jeweler has announced a grand reopening for its recently remodeled location in Peoria, Illinois.

Tiffany & Co. Strong Like Mom campaign
MajorsApr 18, 2025
Tiffany & Co. Employees Star in Mother’s Day Campaign

The “Strong Like Mom” campaign features moms who work at Tiffany & Co. and their children.

Athena Calderone x John Hardy Collection
CollectionsApr 17, 2025
John Hardy, Athena Calderone Partner on Art Deco Decor-Inspired Collection

Interior designer Athena Calderone looked to decor from the 1920s and 1930s when crafting her first fine jewelry collection.

Movado Connect 2.0 watches
FinancialsApr 17, 2025
Movado Group to Increase Prices to Offset Tariffs Impact

During a call about its full-year results, CEO Efraim Grinberg discussed how the company is approaching the uncertainty surrounding tariffs.

Natural Diamond Council Diamond Learning Center Graphic
Lab-GrownApr 17, 2025
NDC Launches Its Diamond Learning Center

The free program provides educational content for jewelry salespeople and enthusiasts to learn or refresh their diamond knowledge.

Jewelers of America logo
Policies & IssuesApr 17, 2025
Jewelers of America Requests Tariffs Testimonials from Members

The feedback will be used to prepare other jewelers for the challenges ahead, the organization said.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy