Our added value - Aqua for All

We offer tailored solutions that respond to the local needs, challenges, and opportunities of water and sanitation enterprises, financial institutions, and investors. By combining market development with impact finance, our unique approach actively contributes to closing the finance and service gaps.

Our grants are deployed strategically to maximise both impact and leverage. More importantly, they drive lasting change and enable sustainable access to water and sanitation for households, communities, schools, and health centres.

What sets us apart is our demand-driven approach to the growth of small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Water and sanitation enterprises—often not yet eligible for traditional finance—share their needs, as well as their growth and impact goals. Together, we co-develop ambitious but attainable plans that support scaling and remove barriers to growth. Cross-learning is central to our approach, as many SMEs face similar challenges.

Our strong networks across West Africa, East Africa, the Horn of Africa, South Asia and Southeast Asia position us as a linchpin in the sector, connecting key actors and driving impact. In East Africa and the Horn of Africa, we’ve established local teams. In West Africa, we work with reliable partners like CEWAS and ForthInvestment to remain effective, even in complex environments such as Mali and Burkina Faso.

We drive change

To achieve lasting impact, we focus on three key outcomes:

• Scaling viable water and sanitation SMEs: We support water and sanitation enterprises in adopting sustainable business models that generate sufficient revenue to cover costs, to expand operations to underserved communities and adapt to climate change challenges. This approach promotes long-term sustainability of water and sanitation enterprises and their services.

• Increased (private) financing strengthens the water and sanitation sector: We empower financial institutions and investment vehicles to finance water and sanitation enterprises and infrastructure, driving greater access to finance across the sector.

• Strengthening the water and sanitation ecosystem: Through capacity development, learning and knowledge-sharing, we enhance the network and systems supporting water and sanitation enterprises, enablers and investors. This fosters a more inclusive and sustainable environment for all actors in the sector.

These outcomes complement each other, creating a market of viable enterprises and an improved financing landscape that strengthens the entire water and sanitation ecosystem, ensuring affordable and inclusive services for all.