Impact Makers: Aniella Niyondiko

NAME

Aniella Niyondiko

TITLE

Founder, AHEZA IWACU

LOCATION

Bujumbura, Burundi, Africa

ABOUT

In 2015, while walking through the streets of Burundi’s capital city, Bujumbura, Aniella Niyondiko met three women searching for leftovers. It was an encounter that changed her life. Wanting to create dignified work and cleaner surroundings, she began small community cleaning and sanitation activities.

Seeing the effects of litter and pollution on underserved communities, Aniella established AHEZA IWACU, a social enterprise providing environmental solutions through waste management, recycling and sustainable food systems. What began as a local clean-up initiative has grown into an organization improving livelihoods, restoring land and closing the loop between waste and food production.

AHEZA IWACU operates a recycling facility in Bujumbura where over 10 permanent staff process around 15 tonnes of waste each day. Biodegradable waste is converted into 100 per cent organic fertilisers using a biotechnology system with zero emissions. The enterprise works with communities of farmers, training them in climate-resilient and bio-intensive agricultural techniques and helping them increase productivity while restoring soil health.

MOTIVATION

“In 2015, I had a memorable experience when I met three women searching for leftovers on the streets of Bujumbura. After a brief conversation with them, I was inspired to start a cleaning and sanitation enterprise designed to help, people – just like these women – earn respectable incomes. Little did I know that I was following a calling, as I developed a deep attachment to this work. Seeing litter or waste unsettles me, knowing how harmful its effects are on underserved communities living in suburban areas where most of the landfills are located.

This passion drove me to explore sustainable waste management solutions. Consequently, AHEZA IWACU was established. Since then, I have worked to improve our recycling processes, tackle food insecurity, support small-scale farmers in their agricultural productivity, restore our biodiversity, develop sustainable ecosystems for my community, and create awareness on the responsible usage of our environmental resources.”

IMPACT

• Established a recycling facility in Bujumbura processing nearly 15 tonnes of waste streams each day, turning waste into valuable resources and reducing pollution.

• Created permanent employment for 15 local staff and introduced responsible waste management practices across the community.

• Converted biodegradable waste into 100% organic fertilizers through a biotechnology conversion system with zero emissions.

• Worked with 2,500 smallholder farmers to improve food production and soil restoration using bio-intensive and climate-resilient farming techniques.

• Enabled year-round harvests through land restoration and sustainable soil management.

• Inspired behavioural change across neighbouring communities, with other cooperatives now adopting AHEZA IWACU’s circular approach.

ADVICE

“We all have a responsibility to protect our planet and its resources, and it begins with each of us being accountable for our choices. Let's make informed decisions about the products we purchase and create. We can reduce our energy consumption, minimize food waste by saving leftovers and composting, choose items that can be easily repaired or repurposed, and avoid the use of single-use plastics whenever possible. Let's work together to make a positive impact on our planet and its resources.

We should also support and promote nature by planting trees, as they absorb carbon dioxide and improve air quality. Avoid chemical products and choose environmentally friendly products. Lastly, let's all continue to advocate and educate others about the importance of environmental protection.”

CONTACT

LinkedIn