The announcement, made recently, places the company among 33 pioneering organizations and schools selected from submissions across 173 countries, recognizing their innovative approach to solving one of Africa's most urgent challenges: access to safe drinking water.
Founded in 2017, IRIBA Water Group has emerged as a leader in developing solar-powered smart water ATMs equipped with UV and RO purification systems, mobile payment options, and digital monitoring.
The enterprise's innovative model has already reached over 517,000 people through 203 water ATMs, transforming the health and well-being of vulnerable communities while creating 194 jobs across Rwanda.
'At IRIBA, we believe no one should suffer or die due to the lack of something as basic and essential as safe drinking water. Our mission is to ensure safe water for all, transforming health outcomes and building resilient communities across Africa,' says the management of IRIBA Water Group, highlighting that access to clean water is a fundamental human right.
The company's holistic approach goes beyond technology. IRIBA Water Group actively engages communities through educational initiatives, reaching over 2.8 million people with vital WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) practices, and empowers women and youth through its franchise model, creating sustainable economic opportunities that extend beyond water access.
With water scarcity affecting millions across Africa - where 700 million people lack access to safe drinking water, and 80% of illnesses are linked to poor water and sanitation conditions- IRIBA Water Group's solutions are both timely and impactful, driving positive change where it is needed the most.
The company's model combines innovation, sustainability, empowerment, integrity, and measurable impact, ensuring that every initiative not only improves access to water but also contributes to socio-economic development across Africa.
The Zayed Sustainability Prize, the UAE's pioneering award recognizing excellence in sustainability, celebrates innovative solutions to global challenges.
This year's finalists, including IRIBA Water Group, represent inclusive, tech-enabled, and locally adapted solutions tackling urgent issues such as clean energy, safe water, nutritious food, quality healthcare, and climate resilience.
The Prize's global impact has already touched over 400 million lives, demonstrating the power of innovation to transform communities and shape a sustainable future.
Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founding father of the UAE, believed that sustainable progress begins with empowering people and meeting their most fundamental needs.
His vision of inclusive, people-centered development continues to inspire the Zayed Sustainability Prize - and is vividly reflected in their selection of finalists.
In many ways, IRIBA embodies the principles Sheikh Zayed championed: innovation with purpose, sustainability anchored in community well-being, and development that leaves no one behind.
By merging solar technology, digital monitoring, and community-driven entrepreneurship, IRIBA turns water access into a catalyst for social and economic transformation. Each smart water ATM not only delivers clean, affordable water but also supports local jobs, women-led franchises, and healthier communities.
IRIBA's approach demonstrates that sustainable development is not just about technology - it is about dignity, opportunity, and inclusion. In translating innovation into impact by creating practical, scalable solutions that drive positive change, while inspiring others across Africa to reimagine what sustainable progress can look like.
The winners of the Zayed Sustainability Prize 2026 will be announced in January 2026, during Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week.
Whether or not it takes home the top honour, IRIBA Water Group's work stands as proof that homegrown African innovation can drive global impact, delivering safe water, dignity, and opportunity, one drop at a time.
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