With water crisis being a prevalent issue in Africa, a multi-stakeholder program is giving millions of people access to water in the region.
Over 4,000 communities in 41 countries are receiving the benefit of the Replenish Africa Initiative (RAIN), a flagship water program of the Coca-Cola Foundation (TCCF) to improve access to clean water.
Marking the week-long celebration of World Water Day (March 22), TCCF announced that RAIN had reached 6 million people. The achievement is the result of a collective effort from over 300 international and local public, private and civil society partners.
“RAIN is a testament to the power of collective action,” said Bea Perez, Chair and President, The Coca-Cola Foundation. “Working with our partners, RAIN’s transformative impact can be felt today in 4,000 African communities. This program drives impact for the Sustainable Development Goals and our focus on People, Communities, and the Environment.”
Over the course of the past decade, RAIN has improved access to clean water for communities, schools, and clinics across 41 African countries as well as enhanced access to hygiene and promoted better hygiene behaviors.
The program has also enabled the economic empowerment of people by creating opportunities for employment, entrepreneurship, and skills generation. In addition, RAIN has helped to protect critical watersheds, supported several African utilities in coping with the rapidly growing water demand in cities, and delivered essential hygiene items and personal protective equipment to help slow the spread of COVID-19.
“Africa is experiencing the highest rate of urban growth globally and is home to 21 of the world’s 30 fastest-growing cities. “Africa is also more vulnerable to climate change than any other region. The Coca-Cola Foundation is committed to working with communities and governments to enhance climate change adaptation and help address the challenges that urbanization creates for the delivery of clean water and sanitation throughout the continent”, said Bruno Pietracci, President for The Coca-Cola Company’s Africa operating unit
