Xylem expands efforts to solve water in Africa
Xylem has opened regional hubs for North Africa and East Africa, expanding our support for utilities, communities and businesses in the regions as they tackle some of the world’s most severe water challenges – including the worst drought in 40 years in East Africa.
“With the launch of these regional hubs, we have deepened our commitment to Africa. We are well-positioned to better serve the markets in the region, and these hubs will also serve as a platform to localize production and bring the best of Xylem’s industry-leading solutions, applications expertise and innovation capabilities to our customers and partners, and their communities,” said Franz Cerwinka, Senior Vice President and President, Emerging Markets, Xylem.
The regional offices, based in Egypt and Kenya, are providing enhanced levels of service, innovation and support for current and future customers, and host sales, aftersales, orders, logistics, engineering and technical support functions.
Regional hub to support North Africa
North Africa and the Middle East is the most water-scarce region on the planet, with more than 60 percent of the population living in areas with high or very high surface water stress – versus a global average of around 35 percent, according to the World Bank Group’s study “Beyond Scarcity.” Xylem has a long history serving the region. In recent years in Egypt, the company has introduced more technologies and solutions in the country’s water infrastructure sector, especially wastewater and irrigation treatments, and expanded further into the utility market.
Xylem has also participated in multiple national mega projects, including: the Abu Rawash treatment plant, Gerza irrigation treatment project, Alexandria wastewater pumping station upgrade, HVAC and plumbing for the New Administrative Capital's ministerial district, New Alamein City Downtown and Towers water systems, and South Valley (Toushka) irrigation project.
“Establishing offices in Egypt brings Xylem and our partners closer to our current and future customers, so we can provide best-in-class teams to support the market’s technical and commercial needs with greater capacity and expertise,” said Mohamed Shetta, Xylem’s Country Manager for Egypt.
“Over the last few months, we have taken steps to enhance our presence, including signing a joint venture in Egypt with TIBA, one of our valued local partners.”
He continued: “Our offices in New Cairo are also helping us further support the Egyptian government's efforts to achieve Egypt's Vision 2030 strategic sustainable development plan. By bolstering our presence in the country and adding more skilled human resources to support key projects, we are increasing our partnership with Egypt and the country's national strategy to maximize water resources.”
Regional hub to support East Africa
East Africa is experiencing the driest conditions and hottest temperatures in decades. The region, and Kenya in particular, is struggling with urgent water challenges ranging from lack of basic access, to the need to improve delivery and implement modern commercial, industrial and municipal applications.
Xylem has been operating across the continent for over 60 years, offering water solutions across clean water and wastewater pumping, water and wastewater treatment, meters, analytics and consulting to clients in the power generation, wastewater treatment and warehousing industries.
“Xylem’s regional hub, based in Nairobi, Kenya, represents a major investment and step forward for Xylem in the country and the East African market,” said Vincent Chirouze, Managing Director, Xylem Africa.
“Through this expanded presence, we are focused on further strengthening our service levels, offering even quicker responses to local market needs, and providing additional services and support. Our hub in Kenya also lays the groundwork for future innovation and development to support Xylem and our partners' work across the region.”
In addition to hosting multiple Xylem functional teams, including sales, logistics, engineering and technical support among others, the East Africa hub includes a showroom demonstrating Xylem's wide range of products, services and solutions.
Learn how Xylem is leveraging supply chain innovation to help solve water in Africa.
Learn more about Xylem’s comprehensive portfolio of water solutions.