In many developed parts of the world, getting clean water is as easy as turning on the tap. However, clean water is a luxury in Rwanda and many other African countries. This challenge led Christelle Kwizera to take action, and in 2014, she founded Water Access Rwanda, a company that provides clean water in affordable, sustainable, and life-changing ways.
The Big Idea
Christelle Kwizera’s social entrepreneurship journey began with her mechanical engineering studies in the United States. Even before that, she always knew she wanted to help her country. Rwanda, where she grew up, is full of hardworking people, yet many struggle daily to get water and find jobs.
Water Access Rwanda was Kwizeras’ idea to ensure every Rwandan has access to clean water. Her vision was to use technology to make clean water affordable and accessible for everyone, especially those in remote areas.
The company’s main mission is to build a system that doesn’t just supply water once but keeps providing it over the long term. They believe that people shouldn’t have to choose between buying food and buying water because, for many families, clean water is too expensive. Kwizeras’ organisation, however, is changing that by keeping costs low, making water accessible for all, and providing jobs for the youth in the process.
The INUMA™ Mini-Grid System
One of Water Access Rwanda’s biggest successes has been creating the INUMA™ mini-grid water system. The brilliant idea enables Christelle Kwizera and her team to set up small, local water systems rather than building massive infrastructure. These mini-grids can supply clean water directly to villages and communities that are hard to reach by traditional water supply methods.
Thanks to INUMA™, people in these communities no longer have to walk miles daily to find water. The clean and safe water provided has also helped reduce waterborne diseases.
“Having INUMA in my house means I can now clean the house and do laundry anytime I want. Before It was so complicated to find water, I would be angry with people who dirtied my floor and would watch the water I had. We used to wake up at 3 am to give our jerricans to a water collector we paid a lot of money to.” – Hadidja Mukabaranga, an INUMA client shared.
Other water solutions they offer include:
- AMAZI water solution: to help communities make the most of rainwater with first-flush diverter systems and filtration systems that connect right at the tap, ensuring the water that comes through is safe. This has helped people reduce water bills during rainy seasons and reduce water runoff, which often leads to flooding.
- VOMA water solution: this is targeted at larger organisations and provides essential training, baseline surveys, and tools for monitoring and evaluating water projects.
- UHIRA water solution: this is designed to deliver reliable access to water in even the most remote locations, especially for farmers and off-grid businesses.
Having sold over 200M litres of water, they have reached more than 134,000 total users in over 1,500 INUMA HouseHolds, where there are 40 Active Minigrids.
Broader impact through social entrepreneurship
Water Access Rwanda recently reached a significant milestone: a $7.5 million investment to expand its services. This funding will allow Christelle Kwizera and her team to set up a new mini-grid system focusing on more villages and communities and expanding outside Rwanda. Kwizera believes that once the system proves successful all over Rwanda, it can be a model for other African countries facing similar challenges.
The company was the first from Rwanda to win the Africa Entrepreneurship Award, the EDF Pulse Africa Award, and the WeEmpower SDG challenge. UNSDSN has also recognised the creative founder as a Youth SDG innovator and was one of the top winners at the Jack Ma Africa Business Heroes Award in 2020.
