ABOUT US
The story of Penmarks Limited began with our late Founder and Managing Director, Subodhchandra Naik, whose deep passion for trading and manufacturing in the stationery industry laid the foundation for the business we know today.
In 1972, after completing his secondary school education in Salisbury (present-day Harare, Zimbabwe), Subodhchandra made the life-changing decision, at just 17 years old, to leave home and relocate to Lusaka, Zambia—the country of his birth. This was not an easy choice. He strongly opposed conscription under Ian Smith’s white minority-led Rhodesian government during the Rhodesian Bush War, and chose instead to forge a new path in Zambia. There, he joined his uncles in the Naik family’s cross-border business, which was involved in retail trading, distribution, and manufacturing across various sectors.
After spending more than 15 years gaining valuable experience in the family business, Subodhchandra had a vision of his own. In 1988, he decided to specialise and establish an independent business focused on stationery retail and wholesale. His ambition was to build a company from the ground up with care, dedication, and strong values—one that would serve customers well and stand the test of time for generations to come.
Located in the heart of Lusaka’s Central Business District on Cairo Road, Penmarks Limited has since grown into a household name in the office supplies sector. The company has earned a strong reputation for providing exceptional customer service, quality products, and fair pricing. It has also remained grounded in the values that Subodhchandra instilled from the very beginning: honesty, transparency, fairness, and philanthropy towards all stakeholders, both internal and external.
Sadly, Subodhchandra passed away in 2014. Today, Penmarks Limited is run by his two sons, Krishna Naik and Rajiv Naik, and chaired by his wife, Mrs Rohiniben Naik. As a family business, Penmarks continues to be guided and inspired by Subodhchandra’s vision, legacy, and enduring principles.
Vision
To remain Zambia’s leading distributor of stationery, printing services, and office furniture by delivering exceptional customer service and quality products at fair prices.
Mission
To be a forward-thinking leader in our field, committed to building strong and lasting relationships with our clients.
Our Operations
Since 1988, Penmarks Limited has grown to become Zambia’s leading supplier of stationery, printing supplies and office furniture. As an owner-managed business, our directors remain closely involved in the day-to-day operations, ensuring high standards of efficiency, accountability, and service excellence.
We proudly serve a diverse client base that includes leading financial institutions, NGOs, corporations, and retail customers across Zambia. Supported by a strong product portfolio, substantial stockholding capacity, and direct relationships with reputable international manufacturers, we are committed to delivering quality products, professional service, and reliable supply at competitive prices.
Driven by the strength of our team, the technologies we have invested in, and the infrastructure we have built, Penmarks continues to play a vital role in supporting businesses and institutions across Zambia and contributing to the broader growth of the national economy.
Community Impact
What Matters Most
As a family-owned business, Penmarks Limited is committed to creating a positive impact beyond business. We believe responsible corporate citizenship means supporting people, strengthening communities, preserving culture, and promoting environmental sustainability.
Our Community Impact & Corporate Social Responsibility approach is guided by three key pillars:
People
- Supporting underserved and underprivileged communities.
- Promoting education, skills development, health, and wellbeing.
- Encouraging initiatives that improve livelihoods and uplift communities.
Culture & Heritage
- Preserving and promoting Zambia’s art, culture, and heritage.
- Supporting programmes that celebrate and strengthen cultural identity.
Environment
- Promoting environmental sustainability and ecological balance.
- Supporting biodiversity and the protection of nature.
- Encouraging responsible practices that contribute to a more sustainable future.
Through these efforts, Penmarks Limited aims to make a meaningful and lasting contribution to the communities we serve.