Our programmes: Conrad N. Hilton Foundation

Countries

Ethiopia, with the potential to expand and replicate the model across East Africa.

Duration & funding

• Phase II: June 2026 – May 2030
• Funding amount: US$3.45 million

What we do

The first phase of the programme demonstrated that blended finance and targeted technical assistance can successfully unlock commercial finance for households and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) operating in the water and sanitation sector.

Building on these results, Phase II will continue supporting households and water and sanitation enterprises while expanding collaboration with commercial banks, Savings and Credit Cooperative Societies (SACCOs), microfinance institutions, and other financial service providers. Through innovative blended finance solutions and de-risking mechanisms, the programme aims to mobilise significantly more private capital for the water and sanitation sector.

In addition, the programme will:

• Support approximately 900 water and sanitation SMEs to access finance and become investment-ready.
• Pilot innovative financing models for water utilities to strengthen sustainable service delivery.
• Provide targeted support to growth-stage and larger water and sanitation enterprises.
• Develop climate-smart and gender-responsive financial products.
• Generate evidence to inform policy development and the creation of a national water and sanitation credit line.

By connecting financial institutions, enterprises, utilities, and policymakers, the programme aims to establish water and sanitation finance as a viable and scalable investment opportunity, creating a stronger market ecosystem for the sector.

Impact achieved and expected

Phase I has already generated significant results:

• US$4.3 million in lending capital mobilised, with projections exceeding US$8.4 million by programme completion.
• Water and sanitation finance provided to 6,733 clients, including 6,520 households and 213 SMEs.
• On track to benefit more than 10,000 clients, enabling approximately 30,000 people to access safe water and improved sanitation services, facilities, and products.
• Strengthened the capacity of local financial institutions to develop and deliver dedicated water and sanitation finance products.

Building on this foundation, Phase II aims to:

• Partner with more than 28 financial institutions across Ethiopia.
• Mobilise substantially more private capital for the sector.
• Improve access to safe water and sanitation for more than 134,000 people.
• Strengthen sustainable financing mechanisms for water utilities and enterprises.
• Create a replicable model for expanding water and sanitation finance across East Africa.

Ultimately, the programme seeks to help transform Ethiopia's water and sanitation sector into a self-sustaining, market-driven ecosystem where private capital and capable enterprises work together to deliver resilient, inclusive, and equitable services at scale.