CityTaps
- LocationNiger
- SectorWater
- Type of investmentConvertible loan
- Project stageTest & Transition
CityTaps has developed a solution that bridges the gap between water utilities and the urban poor: a pre-payment service that comprises the world’s only smart and pre-paid water meter and billing software. Customers use mobile money to pre-pay for running water with any mobile phone, at any time, for any amount. Running water in the home is substantially cheaper, more convenient, and healthier than any alternative. CityTaps’ solution has the potential to dramatically improve the lives and well-being of people who do not have access to water in the home.
Investment Overview
The development problem.
Over 1 billion people living in cities worldwide lack access to running water in their homes, and a significant number of the 3 billion people in developing countries with basic water connections experience extended shortages, either because of failure to pay and/or general water utility mismanagement.
All of these individuals suffer several adverse effects from lack of water – whether it be wasted time through having to collect water (especially for women and girls), the cost of accessing more expensive alternatives to running water in their homes, or the health impact of consuming contaminated water.
The innovation.
CityTaps has developed a solution that bridges the gap between water utilities and the urban poor: a prepayment service that comprises the world's only smart and prepaid water meter, and billing software.
Beneficiaries use mobile money to prepay for running water with any mobile phone, at any time, for any amount, and improve their household budget.
Running water in the home is substantially cheaper, more convenient, and healthier than any alternative.
GIF's investment.
A $500,000 convertible loan commitment as part of Pre-Series A and Series A rounds of CityTaps.
GIF's investment will enable CityTaps to Roll out 10,000 meters as part of an ongoing pilot in Niamey, Niger.
Data on the usage and reliability of the meters will be collected to build evidence for utilities to use going forward.
The CityTaps team anticipate a reduced cost of goods sold, and the ability to develop innovative financing partnerships; in addition to building institutional capacity and governance best practices in preparation for future expansion.
Investment objective(s).
Expand operations to multiple water utilities, reduce non-revenue water for utilities and improve quality of service to customer, reliably deliver piped water to end users, particularly those living under PPP$5.
Why we invested
Large impact potential with a specific focus on impact for women, by providing a technology solution to improve efficiency in existing water distribution networks and improve access as well as reliability, especially for those living on less than $5 per day.
Significant potential to scale through partnerships with leading water utilities in Niger and other African countries by offering a clear value proposition around improved efficiencies.
A strong management team led by Grégoire Landel who has 20+ years of water sector experience.
Innovative technology with positive industry endorsement from GSMA, Isle Utilities, and Veolia.
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