EthiopiaArticleAgricultureDigitalization
In Ethiopia, access to clean and safe drinking water remains a critical challenge for millions. Despite abundant water resources, 87% of the population depends on unsafely managed drinking water services. A 2022 TRAIDE Foundation study on investment opportunities in Ethiopia’s water sector brought this issue into sharp focus. It revealed that 40% of water supply systems fail within two years of operation. This sparked a journey of collaboration and business model innovation, leading to a sustainable solution aimed at improving clean drinking water access and reducing non-functionality rates.
Bringing Together Water Sector Stakeholders
Our business opportunity report highlighted the urgency of addressing Ethiopia’s water crisis and identified key opportunities for the private sector to get involved. Through a webinar we convened over 80 participants, including representatives from the Ministry of Water and Energy, Ethiopian Water Federations, NGOs, and businesses. Discussions centred on barriers like infrastructure gaps, inadequate funding, and poor maintenance. This online dialogue fuelled a shared commitment to finding long-term business-driven solutions that move beyond temporary fixes.
Opportunities in the Ethiopian Water Sector – Webinar
A New Approach to Maintaining the Rural Drinking Water System
Based on these discussions, TRAIDE co-created a sustainable business model to revive non-functional water systems across Ethiopia. This innovative approach integrates technology and strategic partnerships to ensure long-term impact. The model focuses on five key components:
(i) rehabilitating and maintaining non-functional water systems,
(ii) deploying smart water meters and advanced monitoring technologies,
(iii) professionalising water management committees (WASHCOs),
(iv) leveraging alternative income streams like carbon credits, and
(v) ensuring safe water storage at the household level.
This holistic approach aims to address not just the immediate technical issues but also the financial and operational sustainability of water systems, empowering communities to manage their resources effectively.
Building Partnerships to Drive Impact
TRAIDE facilitated the formation of a diverse consortium to implement this model. Key partners include Fair Climate Fund India, Waterlife, Triple Bottomlines Enterprises, and Max Foundation. Each partner brings unique expertise: certification for carbon credits, technical skills for water system operations, seamless integration of monitoring technologies, and community engagement for effective management. By combining the expertise and experience of these organizations, the partnership delivers a comprehensive solution that no single actor could achieve alone.
Starting in Sidama, Scaling Beyond
The Sidama Region serves as the pilot site for this initiative. Twenty water points will be rehabilitated, benefiting 5,000 people with access to clean drinking water. The project’s true value lies in its scalable design, which promotes an open-source approach to share best practices. This ensures that other regions can adopt and replicate the model, creating a far-reaching impact.
The WAVE initiative demonstrates the power of developing sustainable business models and building strategic partnerships that can address critical challenges which have historically been the domain of governments or NGOs.
TRAIDE Foundation’s goal is to empower the private sector to be involved in solving local development issues. Does this project inspire you? Partner with us through funding or collaboration to help start the WAVE.
