Shortage of safe, reliable water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services inhibits economic development, particularly in low-income areas. Utility providers often lack proven and sustainable models, and thus local communities suffer from inconsistent and unreliable service. To address this issue, The Coca-Cola Africa Foundation (TCCAF) worked with leading NGO Water and Sanitation for the Urban Poor (WSUP) and other partners to improve water access for 6 million people in Africa by the end of 2020 through TCCAF’s flagship water access program, the Replenish African Initiative (RAIN). By engaging communities and utilities and thus building local capacity, the partners are able to develop pro-poor WASH services in a market-driven and financially sustainable way. Already operational in five African countries, this collaborative approach promises to have far-reaching impacts on economic growth and stability across Africa.
