Vergnet Hydro

The story begins in 1974 with Marc Vergnet, a visionary engineer in Burkina Faso. Witnessing the severe droughts, he was driven to find a solution for the critical water shortages facing rural populations. This led him to invent a revolutionary hand- or foot-operated water pump, specifically designed for the challenging conditions of sub-Saharan Africa. The design was robust, easy to maintain, and met the high demands of community use. In 1988, Marc Vergnet founded Vergnet SA in France to formally handle the pump business, which had already distributed thousands of units across West Africa. The company's focus was clear: manufacture and install these essential water pumps for governments and NGOs. A pivotal moment came in 2004 when the Vergnet Group separated its water and energy activities, creating the distinct entity known as Vergnet Hydro. This allowed for a dedicated focus on expanding drinking water solutions. A significant transformation occurred in 2014 when Vergnet Hydro was spun off from the Vergnet Group and became part of the newly created Odial Solutions Group. This move marked a strategic shift. While continuing its traditional business, the company also began operating public service contracts, managing water supply directly for communities. The following year, it launched a subsidiary named UDUMA to scale this innovative service model, which offers drinking water as a paid service through electronic payment systems, ensuring sustainable long-term maintenance and operation.