Bringing safe and clean water to communities in need

Kusini Water emerged as one of the top picks of the FCF Scouting project conducted in 2024. This choice was based on the FCF strategy, which prioritizes key criteria such as Technology, Scalability, with strong focus on sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), as well as alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 4, 13, and 16 “FCF WHAT”. Guided by Social Entrepreneurship (SE) as the “HOW” and FCF’s mission as the “WHY,” Kusini excelled in addressing SDG 13. Its holistic, revenue-generating model further underscored its critical role in advancing safe water systems in South Africa and beyond.

Mission

“To serve 5 million people in rural communities with sustainable access to safe water by 2025”

WHY?

• Over 11 million people lack access to safe, clean water in South Africa.
• 1 in 9 people globally still have no access to clean water.
• 1 out of 3 schools don’t have access to clean water; raising a high risk of lack of sanitation.
• 1 out of ever 5 children die to water-related disease monthly.

Kusini is creating a replicable model that addresses water scarcity and builds resilience to climate change, ensuring safe water for all.  There is a significant proportion of the population without access to clean water across South Africa. Kusini Water has developed environmentally friendly solutions that will allow communities and informal settlements to access safe drinking water and ensure water security in a sustainable way. Kusini Water focuses especially on women, children, and youth, improving health, education, and economic opportunities through their water kiosks.  

HOW? By developing eco-friendly, solar-powered water treatment systems.

Kusini’s key goals include scaling their water kiosks to reach thousands of people, reducing waterborne diseases, and improving health and educational outcomes, especially for women and girls. The water kiosks include a water container and a mini water treatment plant. Through the Kusini Water Champions model, they empower local entrepreneurs to run these kiosks, fostering community-driven, sustainable enterprises. The kiosks generated R1.2mn (USD 68,000) in 2023 which was over 10% of their annual budget. The company has ambitious goals to reach 5 million people by 2025 and to expand its recurring revenue to cover almost 50% of their budget in 2025.  Kusini partners with governments, NGOs, and investors to scale their operations and ensure regulatory compliance. Continuous data monitoring allows them to refine their systems for maximum efficiency. Additionally, they provide water hygiene education and advocate for policies that enhance water access, creating both immediate solutions and long-term resilience in the communities they serve.

WHAT makes this organization unique?

Their innovative and locally developed solution using nanotechnology and off-waste from macadamia nuts to develop water treatment systems in rural, peri-urban and informal settlements that do not have access to clean water.

#Kusini Water tackles issues of water supply