Davis & Shirtliff, Africa’s leading water and energy solutions provider, is positioning its Zambian operations as a regional distribution hub as it marks 25 years in the country, supported by investments in infrastructure, technology and an expanding branch network.

The company, which entered Zambia in 2001 with three employees operating from a small shop along Freedom Way in Lusaka, has grown to a workforce of 150 people and a presence in 12 locations across the country.

Its expansion has included opening branches in Kitwe in 2004, Ndola in 2009, Livingstone in 2011 and Solwezi in 2015, followed by further growth into other parts of the country. In 2022, the company moved into its current distribution centre along Luanshya Road in Lusaka, which has strengthened its capacity to hold and distribute stock locally and to neighbouring markets.

“Although Davis & Shirtliff is a Kenyan company, our operations in Zambia are very much Zambian. We are proud of our contribution to the country’s economy and the position we have established as market leaders in our field,” said Group Chairman Alec Davis.

“The decision to enter Zambia in 2001 was driven by the country’s growth potential, despite limited commercial ties between East and Central Africa at the time. The company’s growth to product quality, a strong distribution network, support from its regional headquarters and, most importantly, investment in its people.”

The company plans to strengthen its position in Zambia through expanded product distribution, entry into new market segments and investment in technologies that improve the efficiency of water and energy systems.

Key areas of focus include solar-powered water pumping, smart pumping systems and energy-efficient technologies, particularly those that improve water access in rural communities and support agricultural production.

“Technology is going to be a major part of our future. We are particularly focused on smart pumping, efficiencies and solar, which has transformed water supply in rural areas. The company’s focus on water and energy aligns with Zambia’s infrastructure development and economic diversification priorities, as reliable water supplies and affordable energy remain essential to agriculture, industry and household livelihoods,” added Davis.

Solar-powered pumping systems are providing an alternative to hand pumps and fuel-powered generators, making it increasingly practical for farms, villages and individual households to access reliable water supplies.

The business plans to continue investing in the technical expertise, infrastructure and operational capacity needed to support the country’s development while strengthening Zambia’s role in the group’s wider African network. Its regional operating model combines shared technical and operational resources with local market expertise, enabling the Zambian business to respond to domestic demand while supporting distribution to neighbouring markets.

The 25th anniversary comes as the wider Davis & Shirtliff Group marked 80 years early this year since its establishment in Nairobi in 1946. Founded as an engineering partnership supplying water pumps and borehole equipment, the group has expanded into a regional provider of water and energy solutions, operating in 11 African countries.

“The future is very bright. We are proud of what has been achieved in Zambia, and we intend to continue playing an important role in the development of water, solar and energy solutions in the country and across Africa,” he said.