The Nedbank Kusini Accelerator Programme is showing how practical enterprise development can help turn an essential service into a source of local economic opportunity.
As access to safe, affordable drinking water remains a daily challenge, Nedbank continues to support the development of young entrepreneurs who operate solar-powered water kiosks in underserved communities through its partnership with the Kusini Foundation.
More than 11-million South Africans lack reliable access to safe drinking water, particularly in rural and peri-urban communities, and the programme equips local entrepreneurs with the business training, mentorship and growth support they need to provide reliable water services in their own communities.
The programme's water champions are trained to run solar-powered water kiosks and are supported to build businesses that can serve their communities consistently, create jobs, support community health, stimulate local economies and grow over time, as they help improve access to clean drinking water.
“The programme reflects the bank's commitment to developing innovative funding solutions that drive systemic change. The progression of the Nedbank Kusini Accelerator Programme from grant funding to concessionary funding demonstrates our belief that social impact and economic sustainability must go hand in hand,” said Nedbank group corporate and social investment executive head Poovi Pillay.
