Worldwide water sector
Last checked on: 28 January 2026
Are you an entrepreneur in the water sector with international ambitions? Consider expanding your network and exploring the financing opportunities available to you. If you are a water expert and work for a ministry, knowledge institute or NGO, you can also grow your connections in the water sector.
Together, we can make an impact on the global water crisis.
On this page, you will find information on our Dutch partners in the water sector and available subsidies and funding opportunities from the Dutch government.
Our programmes in the water sector
People worldwide have problems related to too much, too little or too dirty water. Yet, there is much room for improvement in global sanitation. RVO offers subsidy programmes that help entrepreneurs implement their water-related projects. Programme specialists offer guidance on how to apply and take the necessary steps to implement your projects. This will help us all work towards achieving SDG 6: clean water and sanitation.
Open for applications
Dutch Disaster Risk Reduction and Surge Support (DRRS)
RVO deploys water-related experts through its Dutch Disaster Risk Reduction & Surge Support (DRRS) programme. DRRS aims to prevent and reduce the impact of water and climate-related disasters worldwide and increase the resilience of affected areas and populations.
Partners for Water (PVW-IVWW)
PvW -IVWW encourages water safety and water security in deltas, delta cities and river basins abroad. In doing so, the programme helps achieve sustainable development goals and contributes to the Netherlands International Water Ambition (NIWA).
Reversing the Flow (RtF)
RtF supports communities in vulnerable situations by improving their water security. It aims to make local communities more resilient with actions on water, landscape restoration and climate adaptation, led by local initiatives. Local partners, called hubs, support communities to organise and lead these actions themselves.
Copyright information
Vallée du Niger programme (PROVANI)
Vallée du Niger (PROVANI) is a government-to-government programme that aims to improve the livelihoods of people in the Niger River Basin. The programme focuses on the sustainable use of natural resources. PROVANI aims to improve water security and climate resilience by implementing short-term solutions and a long-term vision and strategy.
Copyright information
Water as Leverage for urban water climate resilience (WaL)
Water as Leverage (WaL) promotes sustainable social, economic, and water climate resilience, catalysing development. With research by design, WaL gives substance to project development innovatively and inclusively. It connects urban climate action (mitigation and adaptation) with social development, employment, sustainable economic development and biodiversity recovery.
See also: World Water Atlas
Water Support Programme (WSP)
Dutch water experts provide the Netherlands embassies with support for local water-related challenges. The Water Support Programme (WSP) focuses on 12 countries, mainly in Africa. 6 Strategic Advisors on Water (SAWs) share their expertise. WSP runs from 2022 to 2026.
See also: Netherlands Water Partnership
Closed for applications
Sustainable Water Fund (FDW)
FDW supports public-private partnerships in water safety and security projects in low and middle-income countries.
Ghana Wash Window (GWW)
GWW supports public-private initiatives on water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) and water management in Ghana.
Valuing Water Initiative (VWI)
The Valuing Water Initiative (VWI) prioritises water in decision-making by applying the United Nations (UN) and World Bank Valuing Water Principles (VWP). This pioneering initiative worked to embed the diverse values of water into decision-making processes, addressing global challenges and promoting sustainable water management.
See also: Valuing Water Initiative
Inspiration from the water sector
About 500 million people worldwide struggle with water scarcity. Densely populated deltas face problems such as flooding, land sinking and salt contamination. These problems threaten agriculture, livestock and energy supply and overall security and stability. Do you want to help improve water security and safety in low and middle-income countries? Visit our webpage Water security and water safety.
Locally-led adaptation: Long-term approaches for water-related challenges
Developing knowledge and sharing experiences are essential factors in achieving the outcomes of water-related initiatives. For inspirational stories on locally-led adaptation, see our Reversing the Flow (RtF) page Locally-led adaptation in practice.
Dutch partners in the water sector
The Netherlands is known for innovative solutions that protect people and infrastructure from flooding, water scarcity and water pollution. Our strength comes from sharing knowledge and experience. By partnering with others in the water sector, you can gain support and make more impact.
Aqua for all
Aqua for all
An international foundation committed to providing universal access to safe drinking water and sanitation services that are inclusive, affordable and sustainable.
Blue Deal
Blue Deal
Dutch water authorities work with water partners all over the world. A key programme of the Dutch Water Authorities is the Blue Deal. The goal: to give 20 million people worldwide access to sufficient, clean and safe water. The programme runs until 2030.
EcoShape
EcoShape
EcoShape develops and shares knowledge on Building with Nature: A new approach to hydraulic engineering that uses the forces of nature for the benefit of the environment, economy and society.
Enterprise Europe Network (EEN)
Enterprise Europe Network (EEN)
Network set up by the European Commission to support SMEs in international trade and innovation.
International Water Association (IWA)
International Water Association (IWA)
Connects professionals from more than 140 countries to shape the future of water and sanitation. IWA organises networking events, congresses and exhibitions.
Invest International
Invest International
Offers tailored financing solutions for companies seeking international growth.
Netherlands Water Partnership (NWP)
Netherlands Water Partnership (NWP)
A network of Dutch water organisations working worldwide on co-creating future-proof solutions and catalysing global water impact.
NL2120
NL2120
NL2120 is a 10-year programme in which science, business, government, nature organisations and education are working together to make the Netherlands climate-proof and natural.
Partners for Resilience
Partners for Resilience
Strengthens community resilience, reducing the impact of natural hazards. Focuses on the inclusion of the most vulnerable and marginalised people in society.
VEI
VEI
A world-leading organisation in implementing Water Operator Partnerships.
Water & Maritime
Water & Maritime
Supports the Dutch entrepreneur with innovativeness as a starting point. Delivers solutions for a balanced climate and directs social research focused on 25 innovative themes.
Valorisatieprogramma Deltatechnologie & Water (VPdelta)
Valorisatieprogramma Deltatechnologie & Water (VPdelta)
Accelerates knowledge development and scale-up of innovation for climate adaptation in the built environment.
Water Alliance
Water Alliance
Networking and trade association for companies in the water and environmental technology sector.
WaterWorX
WaterWorX
A partnership of public water operators to increase access to sustainable water services for 10 million people between 2017-2030.
Questions about water worldwide?
Our advisors are happy to answer them.
