Oliver Nihimbaze

Olivier On Mentoring The Next Generation of Agri-Leaders In Burundi

Oliver Nihimbazwe holding a container of fresh drinking water

Learn More About Oliver Nihimbazwe

It is no exaggeration to say that Olivier Nihimbazwe is transforming access to clean drinking water in his home country, Burundi. After earning a Master’s degree in Food Security and Community Nutrition from Gulu University, Olivier returned home with a mission: to fulfill a challenge posed to all his fellow Mastercard Foundation and RUFORUM TAGDev scholars during their orientation — to create something that would benefit their communities.

Oliver with a group of young people holding fresh drinking water containers

In Burundi, waterborne diseases affect over 23% of children under five, largely due to the consumption of contaminated water and poor hygiene practices. In response, Olivier founded Water for Development, a social enterprise that applies a simple yet effective scientific method: using an electric current passed through water and table salt to generate chlorine, which disinfects the water and makes it safe to drink.

Through strong collaboration with government stakeholders, NGOs and local community leaders, Olivier and his dynamic young team provide access to safe drinking water to nearly 200,000 beneficiaries on a daily basis in some of the country’s areas plagued by waterborne diseases.

Oliver standing outdoors with his mother

Looking ahead, Olivier envisions Water for Development becoming the leading organization in innovating access to safe water and developing effective water treatment solutions across Burundi and beyond.