About pump aid
about us
Empowering communities, transforming lives: our journey to end water poverty in Malawi by 2030. We aim to increase sustainable access to water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) in rural communities to positively impact the health, education and nutrition outcomes of millions of people living in poverty.
To tackle the underlying causes of water poverty, we take an innovative approach to promote community self reliance and strives to break the cycle of aid dependency. A key aspect of our strategy is supporting local water entrepreneurs in developing sustainable solutions to improve water access for poor communities, households, and farmers.
Additionally, we invest in future generations by providing community water sanitation and hygiene facilities at preschools. Through this initiative, we enable children to not only survive but also thrive and play in a clean and healthy environment.
Beyond Water
In 2018, we established our ground breaking social enterprise Beyond Water. It’s primary focus is to develop and expand our repair and maintenance community pump service , as well as our affordable pump sales for home and farm use.
At Beyond Water, we blend business principles with profound commitment to creating positive social impact. Our mission is to deliver financially sustainable solutions that address the challenges of water access in impoverished rural communities.
We’re changing the way water challenges are tackled. Bringing together the power of entrepreneurship, community engagement and sustainable practices to bring lasting change to those in need.
Why Malawi?
celebrations for our sustainable water solutions
We take immense pride in the recognition we have garnered for our commitment to delivering sustainable water solutions in Malawi. We were the winner for 2017 International Development Charity Award, Highly Commended in the Financial Times 2018 Transformational Business Awards, a finalist for the 2018 Bond International Development Awards, and shortlisted for the 2017 Aid Innovation Challenge. We were also shortlisted for the International Aid and Development Award at the 2022 UK Charity Awards.
In 2021, our team met Lobin Lowe, Malawi’s Minister for Agriculture, who was impressed with our initiative helping farmers access irrigation. Malawi’s First Lady Monica Chakwera, also praised our work.
“Pump Aid’s approach is commercially sustainable with good engagement at different levels of local governance and a degree of local ownership far more than we often see from INGOs.”
Ruth Davison, Judge, UK Charity Awards
Our inspirational AMBASSADORS
International musician Corinne Bailey Rae has been a Goodwill Ambassador for Pump Aid since 2007. Corinne visited a Pump Aid project in Malawi in 2007. “I didn’t realise just how amazing this organisation was until I went to Malawi,” she told The Guardian. “We were brought up thinking of Africa as this dry, ‘cursed’ continent, but there is water – you just have to go down deep enough to find it.” More recently she has represented Pump Aid by delivering their Radio 4 Appeal in January 2017.
Joining us in 2022, entrepreneur and BBC The Apprentice 2017 Finalist Joanna Jarjue has been an invaluable advocate for our cause. Joanna’s entrepreneurial spirit aligns with our visions of using a business approach to ending water poverty as captured in our feature in Business Leader Magazine.
A longstanding previous trustee, actor Ben Nealon, was honoured as an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for his extensive contributions to Pump Aid. His involvement dates to 1998 when he met the three founders while filming in
the Manicaland area of Zimbabwe, and he served as Chair of Trustees, assuming various roles in executive capacities.
Megan Bingham-Walker, a dedicated volunteer, fundraiser, and board member since 2003, has been a vital force within Pump
Aid. An award-winning entrepreneur and CEO of Anansi, she exemplifies the spirit of empowerment and diversity. Megan’s varied career and passion for start ups contribute to Pump Aid’s innovative approaches.
Our trustees
In the early 2000s, Sandra Welch immersed herself in several International Development Projects in sub-Saharan Africa, witnessing firsthand the transformative power of water and WASH projects. Drawn to Pump Aid’s dedicated staff and long-term approach, Sandra believes in the intrinsic link between water access and essentials like healthy children, education, livelihoods, equity, and economic independence.
Sandra is captivated by Pump Aid’s innovative approach, shifting from aid to sustainability. Through technical skill development, the organisation empowers communities to install, repair, and maintain water pumps, marking a paradigm shift in the journey toward sustainability.
Sandra Welch, Chair of Trustees
Gerard Tyler has played a pivotal role as a trustee of Pump Aid since 2016. His financial acumen, stemming from his role as Group Treasurer of Urenco, has been instrumental in guiding Pump Aid’s financial strategies. With a background that includes working in major UK water companies and the Media and Telecommunications sector, Gerard brings a wealth of experience to the board.
Gerard is strong supporter of the strategy of supporting local water entrepreneurs in developing sustainable solutions to improve water access for poor communities, households, and farmers. He is also keen to see Pump Aid develop more multi-year arrangements with donor organisations combining funding and social engagement.
Gerard Tyler
David Waller brings a wealth of experience from the private, public, and NGO sectors globally and in the UK. His extensive international development experience, including work with refugees in Malaysia and various African countries, has shaped his understanding of impactful social change.
Having worked with Innovate UK’s Knowledge Transfer Network, David led the development of regional events fostering connections between innovators, investors, and entrepreneurs. His three years in Malawi, supporting social enterprise development, including early involvement with Beyond Water, align with Pump Aid’s social enterprise activities.
David Waller
Spencer is responsible for helping UK businesses export to the US and attract US investments to the UK. He previously worked for UK department for Business, Innovation and Skills in London.
Spencer Mahony