Water For People is a global non-profit organization that works to ensure lasting access to safe drinking water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH). They operate in multiple countries across Africa, Asia, and Latin America, with a focus on sustainability and long-term solutions rather than short-term aid. Their approach emphasizes that communities, governments, and institutions all share responsibility for maintaining services.

Why Tanzania? When and Where Did They Start?

Water For People launched its Tanzania program in late 2022 — their first new country expansion in over a decade. The program is based in Dodoma, the capital city, and its initial focus is on the Mpwapwa District. Their entry into Tanzania was motivated by the need to strengthen systems for water and sanitation, especially in rural areas where access remains a major challenge.

Mission, Goals & Strategy in Tanzania
Mission & Guiding Principles

Provide clean water, sanitation, and hygiene services that are built to last.

Work through government partnerships to integrate WASH into national and district systems.

Ensure solutions are sustainable so that, over time, local institutions can take full ownership.

Goals and Targets

Globally, the organization aims to reach 200 million people by 2030 with lasting WASH services.

In Tanzania, they are piloting efforts in Mpwapwa District, with the goal of achieving full access in target areas before expanding to new districts.

Their “Everyone Forever” model means they strive for 100% coverage in chosen districts — every household having reliable water and sanitation.

Methods & Approaches

Supporting district-level planning and budgeting for WASH infrastructure.

Strengthening institutions so that services can be managed and sustained.

Building and rehabilitating water systems in partnership with local contractors.

Using data and monitoring tools to track service quality and adjust approaches.

Engaging communities to ensure ownership, cost-sharing, and accountability.

Challenges & Context in Tanzania

Tanzania faces persistent water and sanitation challenges, especially in rural areas. Many systems are nonfunctional or unreliable, and water quality can be inconsistent. Local institutions often struggle with limited capacity, both technical and financial, to manage infrastructure effectively. Financing sustainability is another issue, as ongoing maintenance depends on consistent funding or tariffs. The country also faces geographic and climate-related hurdles, including drought and uneven water distribution.

Current Status & Known Projects

The Tanzania program is still in its early stages but is active, with initial work centered on Mpwapwa District. Efforts include supporting local governments in planning and building capacity, while gradually implementing water and sanitation systems. The broader goal is to scale successful approaches from pilot areas to a national level over time.

Strengths, Risks & Opportunities
Strengths

A new program with the ability to draw lessons from successful efforts in neighboring countries like Rwanda, Malawi, and Uganda.

A focus on systems strengthening, sustainability, and government partnerships, which enhances long-term impact.

Built-in exit strategies that emphasize community and government ownership once systems are established.