Lusaka, Zambia – 31st March 2025
Fellow citizens, today marks a pivotal moment in our journey towards inclusive development. The Nelly Mutti Foundation has signed a groundbreaking Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Africa Access Water (AfAW), uniting efforts to empower women, girls, and youth in rural Zambia through solar-powered water infrastructure. This partnership aims to drive economic growth, ensure food security, and transform livelihoods by addressing critical water challenges sustainably.
Nelly Mutti, Speaker of the National Assembly and Founder of the Nelly Mutti Foundation, shared her enthusiasm: “Empowering women and youth has always been at the heart of my vision. This collaboration with AfAW will unlock opportunities for thousands, enabling them to thrive through access to clean water, agricultural innovation, and renewable energy solutions. No one should be left behind.”
The initiative will deploy solar-powered water systems to provide reliable access to clean water for drinking, irrigation, and livestock management. By reducing the time women and girls spend fetching water, the project will free up hours for education, skills training, and income-generating activities. Dr Thandiwe Mwamba, Director of AfAW, emphasised the climate-smart approach: “Solar energy is not just sustainable—it’s a catalyst for gender equality and economic resilience. Together, we’re building a future where communities prosper without compromising our environment.”