Rawbank Invests in Clean Water for Communities in the Democratic Republic of Congo

Currently, only 42 per cent of people in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have access to safe drinking water, a critical issue that severely impacts public health, safety, and the purchasing power of the Congolese people. 

This lack of access to potable water has been caused by deteriorating infrastructure due to conflict, underinvestment in the water sector, rapid population growth and climate change.

In response, a water drilling project launched by Rawbank Congo in 2021 is helping rural populations gain better access to clean water. The first well was inaugurated in January 2022. 

Nzunzi, a 24-year-old mother of two from Songololo in the Kongo Central region, says it now takes her less than an hour to fetch water, and under much better conditions.

“Before, I had to walk all the way to the river, and it took me over an hour. Now, I collect water from the Ntimasi water point, just 15 minutes from my home. It saves me about an hour every day. This change means I have more time for my children, and I feel much safer not having to walk such long distances alone. It has improved our lives in so many ways,” said Nzunzi. 

Her example is one of many made possible by Rawbank’s water drilling project. As of today, more than 60 wells are operational, benefiting over 40,000 people. Rawbank has invested more than $2 million in the project.

Mamie Lukusa, Head of Social Responsibility at Rawbank, states that “Rawbank affirms its commitment to a sustainable solution through the construction of water towers and the drilling of wells in the most affected areas, with the goal of drilling at least 100 wells by the end of 2025 to serve thousands of people as part of a medium- to long-term vision.”

Since joining the UN Global Compact in 2017, Rawbank has become one of the most actively engaged members of Global Compact Network DRC, demonstrating strong alignment with the Ten Principles and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). 

The bank’s commitment is manifested through consistent participation in both global programmes and local initiatives of the UN Global Compact. Since 2021, Rawbank has served on the board of the Global Compact Network DRC. CEO Mustafa Rawji is also a member of the Africa Business Leaders Coalition (ABLC), a UN Global Compact platform that convenes influential African CEOs to drive continent-wide action on sustainability.

The Global Compact has helped align Rawbank’s business strategy with global sustainability standards. By participating in targeted programmes and working groups, the bank has refined its approach to critical issues such as anti-corruption, gender equality, and stakeholder engagement. These interactions have helped translate Rawbank’s sustainability ambitions into measurable actions, integrated across its operations and governance structures.

The water drilling project directly addresses one of the most pressing challenges in the DRC: universal access to clean water. It also directly contributes to two Sustainable Development Goals — SDG 3, “Good Health and Well-being,” and SDG 6, “Clean Water and Sanitation.”

Eighty per cent of beneficiaries report easier access to clean water and improved hygiene, as they are now able to wash more frequently. The project also saves valuable time: in Kinshasa, residents save an average of 45 minutes per day, while in Kongo-Central, the time saving can go up to 75 minutes.

Infrastructure gaps, including poor access roads, have delayed parts of the project. To overcome these problems, Rawbank adopted a holistic approach by training local residents in project management and maintenance. Combining local employment and training, Rawbank empowered communities by fostering their autonomy and ensuring the effective and sustainable management of the installations. 

Rawbank says its primary goal is to ensure universal access to clean water, especially in the most vulnerable areas — an aim that reflects its broader mission to put community well-being at the heart of its work.

“We will be satisfied when we see a lasting transformation, with regular and safe access to clean water for everyone. This includes a reduction in waterborne diseases, improved hygiene, and significant time savings for the population. Rawbank remains committed to continuing its efforts until these goals are fully realized, with a constant drive to do more for the well-being of the people,” stated  Mamie Lukusa, Head of Social Responsibility at Rawbank.