Challenge
Though access to clean water is critical for health and wellbeing, only 24% of the population in Sub-Saharan Africa has access to safe drinking water. Overburdened water systems in urban areas face increasing stress as cities grow rapidly. More frequent droughts due to climate change only exacerbate existing challenges.
Solution and Impact
DFC financing supports the expansion of Jibu, an award-winning business that helps local entrepreneurs establish franchises selling packaged drinking water. Jibu provides access to drinking water to underserved African communities in Rwanda and Uganda, as well as other markets across the continent. Jibu currently operates in seven African countries with over 195 franchises.
Jibu equips local entrepreneurs with the financing and the training to build their own potable water franchise. These franchises purify and package drinking water, integrating water filtration infrastructure into their neighborhoods. DFC’s financing is helping Jibu expand operations, broaden service areas, and achieve financial sustainability.
In addition to expanding access to essential drinking water, Jibu also empowers local entrepreneurs.
And because the burdensome task of collecting clean water falls disproportionately on women, the project also advances DFC’s 2X Women’s Initiative to empower the world’s women economically.