AAMU Hosts Mandela Washington Fellows

Francis Adeina is on a mission to transform agriculture in Ghana. As the founder of Pigversity, a growing enterprise that trains young people on the economic potential of pig farming, Adeina is changing perceptions around an often-misunderstood trade. He also operates a rural milling business that helps farmers add value to their crops.

Adeina is participating in AAMU’s inaugural Leadership in Business Institute, part of the Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders – a U.S. State Department program for rising African business leaders.

“I’ve never been formally employed,” says Adeina, who began his entrepreneurial journey as a student at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST). “I started this while still in school and have grown it ever since.”

While earning his degree in biological sciences, Adeina juggled two jobs and poured his energy into building Pigversity from the ground up. Driven by a desire to lead with purpose and scale his impact, he applied for the fellowship several times, and his persistence paid off. Now in the United States – and Alabama – for the first time, he describes the experience as nothing short of transformational.

 “It’s been intense, eye-opening, and incredibly rewarding,” he says. “The people I’ve met and the knowledge I’ve acquired are shaping the next chapter of my leadership journey.”

One powerful moment came during a session led by leadership strategist Vicki Morris.

“She said, ‘Tell potential clients the why – let them pay for the how,’ and it was like something clicked,” Adeina explains. “I’ve struggled with monetizing my knowledge. That one sentence gave me permission to value my expertise.”

Through Pigversity, Adeina wants to rewrite the narrative around pig farming in Africa – shifting it from a misunderstood trade to a smart and sustainable livelihood.

“I want pig farming to be seen as a dignified career path,” he says. “My ultimate goal is to build Pigversity into a globally recognized brand that empowers young African farmers.”

Adeina also says his time at Alabama A&M has left a lasting impression.

“The responsiveness and warmth of the faculty and staff here – it’s unmatched,” he says. “Compared to universities in Ghana, AAMU offers a student-centered environment that makes learning effective and deeply personal.”

He’s especially thankful for the mentorship he received during his stay, crediting coach and mentor Katrenia Kier – owner of Kier Real Estate, LLC – for helping him see leadership in a new light. Kier’s business has served clients in North Alabama since 1985.

“My expertise in business and knowledge of the area allowed me to connect Mr. Adeina with the right resources for his project,” said Kier. “It was my pleasure to serve.”

Among those connections was a local attorney and farmer doing innovative work on his land. “He even let me tour his cattle farm on one of his ATVs – it was unforgettable,” Adeina recalls. “I also met a few pig farmers in the area – one even served us pork for lunch!”

As he prepares to return home, Adeina carries more than a notebook full of ideas – he carries a renewed sense of purpose. And if there’s one more opportunity waiting in the wings?

“If Alabama A&M – or any partner – would like to offer me a scholarship to advance my studies so I can better serve and scale Pigversity, I’ll joyfully accept.”