Yvette Ishimwe is Pioneering Sustainable Clean Water Solutions for Africa’s Rural Communities

She is widely celebrated for her innovative efforts in addressing water scarcity and improving access to safe, affordable drinking water in rural communities through her company, Iriba Water Group.

As the founder and CEO, Yvette has leveraged her passion for sustainability and community development to create impactful solutions that enhance the quality of life for underserved populations, particularly in areas with limited access to clean water.

Yvette was born and raised in Rwanda, where she experienced firsthand the challenges of inadequate access to clean water in rural and peri-urban areas. 

These early experiences, combined with her desire to make a tangible difference in her community, inspired her to focus on solving one of Rwanda’s most pressing issues—water scarcity.

Understanding that access to safe water is not only a basic human right but also a cornerstone for sustainable development, she set out on a mission to create solutions that are both affordable and environmentally sustainable.

In 2015, she founded Iriba Water Group, a social enterprise dedicated to providing clean water through innovative, sustainable solutions.

The company utilizes solar-powered water kiosks and mobile water distribution systems to deliver affordable, safe drinking water to communities, schools, and households.

These kiosks are strategically placed in remote areas where access to water is either limited or nonexistent.

Iriba’s mobile water trucks further extend the company’s reach, ensuring that clean water is available to even the most isolated villages.

Through Iriba, Yvette has successfully addressed issues related to waterborne diseases and the time burden placed on women and children, who often bear the responsibility of fetching water from distant, unsafe sources. 

Yvette’s work is aimed at tackling the critical issue of water scarcity in rural Rwanda and other parts of Africa.

Many communities still rely on contaminated water sources, which can lead to the spread of diseases such as cholera and dysentery.

The lack of infrastructure for clean water access also exacerbates poverty, as families are forced to spend time and resources obtaining water rather than engaging in income-generating activities.

Through Iriba Water Group, Yvette seeks to bridge the gap by making clean water affordable and accessible.

The company’s focus on solar-powered technology aligns with her commitment to environmental sustainability, reducing reliance on non-renewable energy sources and contributing to the fight against climate change.

Yvette’s innovative work has garnered national and international recognition, including the Anzisha Prize Laureate (2017).

At the time, she was one of the youngest entrepreneurs to win the prestigious Anzisha Prize, awarded to young African entrepreneurs who are solving critical challenges in their communities.

She was also recognized by Forbes as one of Africa’s most promising young innovators, listed among the top 30 under 30 entrepreneurs in the social impact sector in 2018.