Nadim Khoury

Lebanese social entrepreneur who founded Ecofiltro to provide affordable water filtration systems to underserved communities in Latin America.

Introduction

Nadim Khoury is a Lebanese social entrepreneur who co-founded Ecofiltro in 2012. His mission is to combat water scarcity and improve health outcomes in impoverished regions of Latin America. Born in 1980, Khoury’s innovative approach to social enterprise has made a transformative difference in communities across Colombia, Nicaragua, and Mexico.

Background and Inspiration

Khoury studied engineering in Lebanon and worked in renewable energy before witnessing the lack of clean water access during a trip to Colombia. He partnered with local artisans to design low-cost ceramic water filters, combining traditional craftsmanship with modern technology. Ecofiltro’s filters, priced at $10–$20, remove 99.9% of contaminants and last up to five years.

Impact and Scalability

Health Improvements: Over 2 million people now have access to clean water through Ecofiltro’s filters, reducing waterborne diseases like cholera and dysentery. The company’s website documents success stories in rural Colombia, where infant mortality rates dropped by 40% in filter-adopting communities.
Community Empowerment: Ecofiltro employs local women in production and distribution, creating jobs and fostering economic resilience. Its “buy one, give one” model allows customers to donate filters to underserved areas.

Sustainability and Innovation

Khouri’s design incorporates recycled materials and solar-powered kilns, minimizing environmental impact. Ecofiltro’s partnerships with NGOs like UNICEF expanded its reach during the 2020 pandemic, providing filters to quarantined families.

Awards and Recognition

Ecofiltro won the 2016 Skoll Award for Social Entrepreneurship and the 2021 UN Global Compact Award. Khoury’s work is featured in the documentary Water for Life: The Ecofiltro Story (2021), available on Amazon Prime.