By Derrick Silimina
Davis & Shirtliff and Huawei Technologies have entered into a strategic partnership to increase the availability of affordable high-end solar and digital power solutions in Zambia.
In a significant stride toward advancing Zambia’s roadmap towards sustainable power and commitment to clean energy, the leading suppliers of water and energy equipment in the East and Southern African region, will distribute Huawei’s solar products, including Grid Connect Inverters, Luna, and Power M backup solutions.
In a statement, Davis & Shirtliff Zambia Managing Director Jonathan Mainga said the company’s robust distribution channels and extensive knowledge of the local energy market will be leveraged on to deploy Huawei’s innovative solar technology throughout the region in a bid to accelerate the transition of Zambian homes and businesses to clean renewable energy.
“Access to power is critical for spurring Zambia’s economic growth and this partnership with Huawei will help us improve electrification in both urban and rural areas by connecting more industries, households and businesses to affordable solar power,” Mainga said.
According to the World Bank, Zambia’s overall electrification rate remains at 42%, below the Sub-Saharan Africa average of 47%. While over 75% of urban households in Zambia have access to electricity – almost exclusively through the grid, less than 12% of rural households have any kind of electricity. This lack of reliable electricity severely restricts the country’s potential for improving per capita GDP and reducing poverty.
Huawei digital power segment manager, Bruce Liu said his company’s collaboration with Davis & Shirtliff is important because it represents a harmonious union of vision and deployment of capabilities.
“Together, we aim to reshape the renewable energy landscape and provide cleaner, more efficient and affordable energy for the Zambian market,” Liu said.
