This week we are launching the Scaling Climate-Resilient WASH Programme, aiming to strengthen water and sanitation Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in West Africa and the Horn of Africa to tackle climate challenges and expand access to safe water in vulnerable communities.
Our support aims to help SMEs develop sustainable business models, implement climate adaptation strategies, and attract private investments. Additionally, the programme will support local financial institutions with de-risking instruments and technical assistance to catalyse private investments and increase lending to the WASH sector.
By launching this programme, we simultaneously advance SDG 13 on climate action, contributing to the creation of resilient communities that are better equipped to tackle global challenges.
Bridging the gap in the water and sanitation economy
Water and sanitation services have long been considered public responsibility. However, many governments in Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and Lower-Middle-Income Countries (LMICs), lack the resources to provide these essential services to the entire population.
Water and sanitation enterprises step in to fill the gaps, especially in rural and peri-urban areas. Yet, they often struggle to scale due to limited expertise, funding, and access to finance.
“This programme aims to bridge the gaps for impactful growth-stage enterprises in West Africa who often lack adequate growth capital and technical support necessary to reach the next stage of their scaling journey”. Sarah Kalin, Programme Manager West Africa at Aqua for All
Strategic interventions for sustainability and climate resilience
The programme harnesses our dual approach to bridge the service and finance gaps, addressing the need for market development while expanding access to finance. To develop the market, we will provide Results-Based Grants to growth-stage enterprises, tying funding to specific goals, to ensure progress towards financial sustainability. At the same time we offer de-risking and technical assistance to local financial institutions, enabling them to develop blended finance solutions tailored to the needs of water and sanitation SMEs.
Support regarding climate resilience will help SMEs manage risks associated with climate change, ensuring the long-term viability of their operations. Improving access to SME finance is a key component of the programme.
“Unlocking localised financing opportunities for SMEs is necessary to enable increased access and improved quality of water and sanitation services. Through this partnership we aim to catalyse and enable local financing institutions to support the water and sanitation SME ecosystem”. Owais Shafiq, Senior Impact Officer at Aqua for All
Our vision for 2027 and beyond
By 2027, the programme aims to improve access to safe drinking water and sanitation for over 19,000 people. Our approach will empower SMEs to develop climate-resilient businesses, attracting private investments to fuel growth.
In addition to service delivery, we are committed to monitoring the progress and long-term sustainability of the businesses we support. Key performance indicators will include increased revenue, a growing customer base, and job creation, with a focus on gender equality and building local capacity.
We will also assess the broader impact of the programme, evaluating its contribution to climate mitigation through reduced carbon emissions from upgraded systems and to climate adaptation by strengthening the resilience of water infrastructure against the escalating effects of climate change.
Call for applications coming soon!
We are happy to announce that the first call for applications for Results-Based Grants as part of the Scaling Climate-Resilient WASH Programme to support growth stage enterprises will open on 8 January 2025. Stay tuned and help spread the word!
Discover more about our mission and how you can contribute at aquaforall.org.