We are pleased to announce our Hero Spotlight of the Month: Yvette Ishimwe, ABH 2021 Top 10 Hero and founder and CEO of Iriba Water Group, a social enterprise transforming lives through innovative, climate-smart water solutions across Africa. Through Iriba, Yvette has built a scalable model that combines technology, affordability, and community empowerment to address one of the continent's most fundamental challenges.
Iriba’s mission is to provide affordable, on-demand access to clean water and to date the company has installed over 203 Water ATMs across Rwanda, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and the Central African Republic. These climate-smart water dispensing systems have reached more than 517,000 people with safe drinking water and delivered comprehensive water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) education to over 2.8 million people. The impact extends far beyond hydration: Iriba has created 194 jobs, 86% of which are held by women, demonstrating how social enterprise can drive both environmental sustainability and economic empowerment.
Yvette Ishimwe Founder and CEO, Iriba Water Group
At the heart of Iriba's model is innovation designed for Africa's realities. The Water ATMs, strategically placed in communities and schools, dispense purified water at just 100 Rwandan Francs per transaction, making safe drinking water accessible even to low-income families. This pay-as-you-go model removes the barrier of upfront costs while ensuring the sustainability of operations. Each ATM is equipped with advanced filtration technology and operates with minimal maintenance, ensuring consistent water quality and reliability.
Yvette's vision, however, extends beyond infrastructure. Recognizing that access alone is not enough, Iriba Water Group has developed robust community outreach and education programs that teach essential WASH practices, improving health outcomes and building long-term behavioral change. These programs have been particularly impactful in schools, where access to clean water and hygiene education directly improves attendance, concentration, and overall student wellbeing.
Photo: Clean water, brighter futures. Iriba Water Group's Water ATMs bringing safe drinking water directly to schools across Rwanda
Perhaps most transformative is Iriba's franchise model, which turns water access into economic opportunity. Local entrepreneurs, particularly women, operate Water ATMs as small businesses, earning steady income while serving their communities. This model has proven especially powerful in empowering women economically, providing them with financial independence and leadership roles in their communities. The franchise approach also ensures local ownership and accountability, making the water access model truly sustainable.
Yvette's work has earned recognition from leading organizations committed to sustainable development and social impact. Iriba Water Group has been supported by partners including the Rwandan government, international development agencies, impact investors, and foundations focused on water security and climate resilience. The company's innovative approach demonstrates that solving Africa's water crisis requires more than charity; it requires viable business models that align profit with purpose.
Photo: Safe water, one card at a time
Earlier this year, Yvette and Iriba Water Group reached the finalist stage of the prestigious Zayed Sustainability Prize in the Water category; one of the world's most recognized sustainability awards. While the prize went to another deserving water innovator, Yvette reflects on the experience with characteristic grace: "
Reaching the finalist stage was already a powerful moment. Standing among solutions working at a global level reminded me how many different ways there are to serve the same goal: protecting and sustaining life through water." For Yvette, it wasn't a loss; it was clarity. And at Iriba, the path remains unchanged: bringing safe, affordable drinking water to children, schools, and underserved communities, and building solutions that last.
