Aerial view of a crowd gathered around a solar-powered water kiosk

Who we are

Aqua for All is an international foundation that mobilises private capital and strengthens enterprises to transform the water and sanitation sector in low- and middle-income countries in Africa and Asia. Established in 2002, our unique experience in water and finance has made us a trusted partner for governments, financial institutions and the private sector.

Our purpose

We bridge the gap between capital and water access

Aqua for All was founded on a simple belief: ensuring universal access to water and sanitation requires mobilising investment in private capital. Public funding alone cannot meet the magnitude of investment required to achieve universal access. Aqua for All bridges this gap by creating the conditions for private capital to complement public funding. Over two decades, we have been a trusted partner for enterprises, financial institutions and funds.

See our financial partners
  • A street vendor selling bottled drinking water from a stall

    Our Mission

    To mobilise private capital and strengthen enterprises to transform the water and sanitation sector in low- and middle-income countries.

  • Men working on water pipes.

    Our Vision

    Universal access to safe drinking water and sanitation services that are inclusive, affordable and sustainable.

Our unique role

Transforming sustainable water and sanitation markets

We are not a traditional NGO. Nor a commercial investor. We are something the sector has been missing: a catalytic intermediary that de-risks investments, strengthens enterprise growth and mobilises private capital into markets that need it most. We go beyond project interventions. Instead, we prioritise scale and system-level impact.

We identify barriers preventing capital from reaching water and sanitation and use blended finance models, technical assistance and strategic partnerships to sustainably overcome them.

  • Blended Finance

    We deploy public and philanthropic funding to reduce risk and mobilise private capital for water and sanitation.

    Explore our financial partners

  • Collaborating with private and financial partners

    We strengthen local enterprises and financial institutions to enable sustainable models for growth.

    Explore our partnerships
  • A hand using a keytag.

  • Proven track record

    We have 20+ years of experience across Africa, Asia, and MENA

    See it in numbers
  • A wave on the open sea at dusk.
  • A man works at a sanitation facility.
  • A man presenting at a water system.

  • Growth-stage SME support

    We work across the sector to support growth-stage enterprises to become stronger, more resilient and investment-ready.

    Discover our enterprise support

  • Catalytic Capital

    We work on both sides of the finance equation, demand and supply, simultaneously

    Learn how we work
Our geographic focus

Where we work

Aqua for All has an extensive and growing track record, with experience throughout lower- and middle-income countries in Africa and Asia. This allows us to respond to opportunities and relevant developments in the water and sanitation sector.

28+
Implementing countries
€290m+
Funds managed
2,000+
Enterprises supported
13m
People with improved access
Frequently asked questions

Questions? Find your answer below

Is Aqua for All a donor organisation?

We do provide grants and strive to develop a sustainable water and sanitation economy, that fosters inclusion and innovation.

We therefore enable innovative ideas and solutions to scale up and become viable businesses, eligible for funding.

For this purpose, we play different roles, ranging from coaching up to financing.

How is Aqua for All financed?

Aqua for All receives funding primarily from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands.

We also get additional income through partnerships and services for social enterprises and funds.

How does Aqua for All select its countries of operation?

We work in countries where we can make a difference because of our significant expertise and our strong networks with local organisations.

We currently work in the focus countries of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands.

See where we operate on our Geographic focus page.

Can I volunteer for Aqua for All?

Aqua for All does not implement initiatives or run businesses where you can volunteer.

We also do not facilitate volunteering in the areas where we operate.

How can I be kept posted on Aqua for All’s work?

To stay informed you can visit the Aqua for All website regularly or subscribe to our newsletter.

How can I become an Aqua for All subject-matter expert?

If you are interested in making your expertise and experience available for developing innovative businesses in the water and sanitation economy, please contact us: info@aquaforall.org

What is the VIA Water programme?

The VIA Water programme was established in 2014 as an incubation programme for water and sanitation innovations. In 2019, the VIA Water programme was fully integrated into Aqua for All to boost synergy between our new strategy and this programme. The lessons learned and the experience from Phase 1 of the VIA Water programme are valuable contributions for developing a more sustainable, innovative and inclusive water and sanitation sector in Africa.

Get in Contact

Join the team driving water finance forward

Reach out to us for inquiries and collaborations. We are happy to connect.

See VacanciesMeet the team