For years, rural Rwanda has faced problems with access to clean water. Only 57% of Rwandans have access to clean water within a 30-minute walk of their homes. To worsen things, children lose 443 million school days yearly because of water-related illnesses. These children, especially girls, collect water from distant places, keeping them out of school. Even if water is available near their homes, drinking is often contaminated and unsafe. This was an uncomfortable experience for Yvette Ishimwe and her family.
When Ishimwe and her family relocated from Kigali city to Kayonza, a rural district where water was rare- something she had always taken for granted- life became complicated. In this quiet, dry environment, the reality of water scarcity hit home. The long walks to distant water sources and constant worry about water hygiene pushed her to begin experimenting with water purification techniques in search of a solution.
Yvette Ishimwe’s discover, scales IRIBA Water
Her family had to hire a truck to pump water from a nearby lake and channel it to their home. However, the lake water was not fit for drinking. Hence, at just 19, with no grand plans or sophisticated equipment, Yvette Ishimwe began experimenting with an ultraviolet water purifier in her family’s home, which she got for $400. This started as a simple project to help her immediate family, but in no time, the whole community turned to Ishimwes’ innovation to access drinking water.
After presenting the solution she created for her family at a business competition, the creative founder received $10,000 to support the expansion of her idea. With this grant money, she set up a solar-powered water plant to pump water from the natural spring in the valley and pipe it uphill in water kiosks where people could easily access it.
Today, Yvette is the founder and CEO of Iriba Water Group, which provides affordable access to clean water across Rwanda.
Founded in 2017, IRIBA Water Group has a clear mission to provide clean, affordable water to low-income populations across Rwanda. The founder understands that her solution has to be sustainable, scalable, and environmentally friendly. So, IRIBA adopts water treatment systems that can purify large quantities of water cheaply, using ultraviolet (UV) technology to ensure safety.
“Over the past few years, starting and growing IRIBA Water Group Ltd, every day I face many setbacks, but one thing that keeps me going is COURAGE!” – Yvette Ishimwe, Founder, Iriba Water Group.
The company has deployed a network of Tap&Drink systems in public, urban, and peri-urban areas—such as markets, parking lots, bus stations, and schools—providing access to purified tap water. While this water can be accessed with a water ATM card, The startup tracks usage via a software management system. This eco-friendly solution allows it to reach remote communities while monetising its service and minimising environmental impact.
IRIBA drinking water is collected using reusable containers, making it 70% cheaper than packaged drinking water and allowing low-income people to afford it. The ATMs are operated by youth and women through a franchise model, which has equally provided decent jobs for them.
Rwandan communities have seen significant improvements in health, as families no longer suffer from waterborne diseases. Families that once walked hours to fetch water now have clean drinking water very close to them. This solution also means better sanitation, improved health, and a brighter future for schools and health centres. On an economic level, Iriba Water Group has created job opportunities by employing local people in water treatment and delivery.
“I’m very happy for the Iriba Water Group here. It was very difficult for us to get affordable, clean drinking water before. It was not possible for everyone to afford $7 bottle water. But for Iriba Water, everyone here with our financial capacity can afford it.” – says Sumaya, a Kimironko market vendor.
IRABA Water reaches many through subregional expansion
Presently, the IRIBA Tap&Drink systems are available in Rwanda, Central African Republic, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. In 9 years, The Group has reached over 30,9449 people, supplied over 1055 filters, and set up over 119 IRIBA Tap&Drink systems in homes. The company has received over 14 awards, installed 83 plus Tap&Drink ATMs in schools and communities, and provided over 96 decent jobs.
Yvette Ishimwe’s work has transformed communities and garnered significant recognition on the global stage. In 2016, her entrepreneurial journey took a huge turn when she was selected as an alumna of the prestigious Tony Elumelu Foundation. This recognition gave Yvette the mentorship, funding, and exposure she needed to take Iriba Water Group to new heights so they could serve even more communities in Rwanda.
In 2021, she emerged as a top 10 finalist of the Africa Business Heroes competition. She has been honoured with the Young Leaders Award, amongst many other awards, recognising her as one of Africa’s most promising entrepreneurs.
Through IRIBA Water Group, Yvette Ishimwe inspires a new generation of leaders to take on the challenges in their communities. She has shown everyone that local solutions can profoundly impact global challenges.
