How are water initiatives promoting inclusion and economic empowerment in Tanzania?

Access to clean and safe water is beyond a basic human need; It is a powerful driver of health, economic productivity and social inclusion. In rural Tanzania, where 40 percent of the population still lacks access to clean water, millions of people struggle with contaminated water sources, scarce water supplies and seasonal droughts. These challenges limit their ability to thrive. Recognizing this, Serengeti Breweries Limited (SBL) has launched the Water for Life initiative, which aims to meet urgent needs while improving health, education and economic development. By aligning these efforts with national goals, the initiative contributes significantly to Tanzania’s sustainable development.

The company has implemented sustainable water projects that have changed the lives of thousands of people in communities such as Basuto district in Manyara and Kabila district in Mwanza. In Basuto, where Basuto Lake is heavily polluted with fluoride, the installation of the Nalgonda Water Purification Plant now provides safe, fluoride-free water service to more than 4,000 people in nearby villages.

This project provided serious relief for many women and young girls who previously walked to water sources that were hours away. They now have the opportunity to focus on education, personal development and income-generating activities.

In Kabila district, the water system with 13 access points benefited 12,000 residents. Women and girls in this community now have access to water near their homes, freeing up time and energy to achieve other goals, whether educational or economic. This change has created ripple effects of empowerment and opportunity, ensuring girls are consistently attending school. For context, a 2015 UNICEF report found that women and girls in Sub-Saharan Africa spend nearly 40 billion hours a year collecting water; this is equivalent to one year’s work of the entire workforce in some developed countries.

Beyond Mwanza and Manyara, the water initiative has also spread to regions such as Iringa, Kilimanjaro, Tanga, Ruvuma, Dar es Salaam, Pwani and Dodoma. These projects have provided clean and safe water to more than one million Tanzanians, creating transformative impacts on health, education and economic well-being.

Lack of clean water leaves communities vulnerable to waterborne diseases such as cholera, typhoid and diarrhea, which kill approximately 842,000 people worldwide each year. The initiative directly addresses this issue by significantly reducing the incidence of such diseases by providing access to purified water. Families now benefit from lower medical costs and children grow up healthier and more resilient.

The impact of these efforts on education is particularly profound for girls. In many rural areas, girls often miss school to collect water, losing critical class time. Research shows that even a 15-minute reduction in water collection time can increase girls’ school attendance by 12 percent. Accessible water allows girls to stay in school, participate in extracurricular activities, and focus on their studies. Education strengthens their ability to contribute meaningfully to society, creating a ripple effect that benefits entire communities.

Water initiatives also empower women economically. With the reduced time required to collect water, many people are now able to pursue income-generating activities, from small businesses to agricultural ventures. Economic empowerment promotes a more inclusive and balanced society by strengthening voices within families and communities. These projects allow women and girls to explore new possibilities, not only enriching their lives but also strengthening society as a whole.

These efforts lay a strong foundation for sustainable development across Tanzania, where access to clean water has already transformed the lives of tens of thousands of people. Projects like those of Basuto and Kabila highlight the transformative power of private sector initiatives to foster inclusive growth and resilience.

Inclusion is not just a buzzword for this initiative, but a guiding principle. The program contributes to equity by addressing the unique challenges faced by rural and marginalized groups and underscores how institutional action can lead to meaningful development. When communities are equipped with resources such as clean water, they are better positioned to thrive, contribute to Tanzania’s economy, and build resilient, inclusive societies.

The Water for Life initiative sets a benchmark for corporate social responsibility as the country works towards its development goals. It exemplifies how companies can go beyond making profits to make a lasting impact in the communities they serve. Access to clean water not only improves the quality of life of today’s Tanzanians, but also provides a foundation for future generations to grow up healthier, more educated and stronger.

By investing in clean water, communities are empowered with opportunities for a better future. This initiative stands as a testament to how sustainable corporate responsibility can help close development gaps, one community at a time.

John Wanyacha is Director of Corporate Affairs at Serengeti Breweries Limited (SBL).