When Anne Micomyiza arrived at Alabama A&M University as a 2025 Mandela Washington Fellow, she brought with her more than just a business plan – she carried a mission rooted in restoration, resilience, and reforestation.

A visionary entrepreneur and environmental advocate from Kigali, Rwanda, Micomyiza is the co-founder and CEO of GreenGoal Hub, a youth-led social enterprise in Rwanda focused on land restoration, climate change mitigation, and environmental conservation. Since its founding in 2022, GreenGoal Hub has restored more than 300 hectares of degraded land and reached over 3,000 farmers across five districts in Rwanda.

“Land restoration is close to my heart because over 70% of Rwandans depend on farming,” says Micomyiza. “Restoring the natural resources that enable communities to put food on the table and generate additional income to improve livelihoods is deeply fulfilling to me.”

Through her leadership, GreenGoal Hub has created meaningful job opportunities for community members, generating over 210 green jobs to date. The organization has also trained farmers in nursery management and built a dynamic grassroots network that is driving transformation in both the environment and the local economy.

“Each year, we work with over 75 individuals, providing them with opportunities to earn an income that helps support their families. This enables parents to afford basic necessities such as paying school fees for their children and enrolling in Rwanda’s national health insurance program, known as Mutuelle de Santé.”

Her passion for community-driven environmental impact is matched by her academic credentials. She holds a Bachelor of Science in agroforestry and a Master of Science in Environmental Economics and Natural Resources Management. Her scientific background fuels a data-informed approach to sustainable land management, while her lived experience drives her commitment to inclusive growth.

In recognition of her achievements, Micomyiza was selected for the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) in 2019, a White House-supported initiative that empowers women in business worldwide. In 2023, the World Resources Institute named her one of the Top 15 Land Accelerator Champions in Africa, honoring her pioneering work in sustainable environmental entrepreneurship.

Micomyiza says attending AAMU's inaugural Leadership Business Institute has sharpened her vision and broadened her global perspective.

“Alabama A&M has a deep legacy of agriculture, innovation, and education,” she says. “I’m leaving with new ideas, new allies, and a renewed determination to scale our work.”

Even the cultural shifts added new insight. “I’ve been surprised by how little people walk here,” she says. “In Rwanda, walking is part of daily life – it connects you to the land, to the people, to the moment. Being here reminded me how important that connection is.”

As she prepares to return home, she does so with a strengthened purpose to inspire a new generation of environmental stewards.

“I believe that restoring land is not just about the environment,” she says. “It’s about restoring hope, opportunity, and dignity in the places that need it most.”