Debora Giorgis

Ethiopian environmental engineer revolutionizing rural water access through innovative filtration systems

Debora Giorgis: Pioneering Clean Water Solutions

Debora Giorgis (b. 1989) is an Ethiopian environmental engineer whose groundbreaking work in water purification has transformed access to clean drinking water for over 2 million people across East Africa since 2020. As founder of AquaFilter Ethiopia, she developed low-cost solar-powered filtration systems using locally sourced materials, addressing both water scarcity and environmental sustainability simultaneously.

Innovative Solutions

Giorgis' patented filtration technology combines ancient Ethiopian water collection techniques with modern nanotechnology. Her team's 2021 breakthrough - the Solaraqua Filter - achieves 99.9% purification at a cost 70% lower than comparable systems. This innovation was highlighted in Nature Sustainability and earned her the 2023 Global Water Award.

Social Impact

• Deployed in 150+ rural Ethiopian communities by 2024
• Reduced waterborne disease incidence by 65% in project areas
• Created 300+ local jobs through community-based maintenance programs

Global Recognition

In 2022, Giorgis was featured in Time's Next 100 list and spoke at the UN Climate Summit. Her TED Talk "Water is the Future of Africa" has over 2.1 million views. Current projects include expanding to Kenya and Tanzania through partnerships with UNICEF.