Ethiopia

Transforming Lives with Innovative Sanitation Solutions

In the heart of East Africa, Ethiopia is witnessing a remarkable transformation in sanitation and hygiene, thanks to the revolutionary impact of SATO toilets. Designed with a vision to provide safe, affordable, and dignified sanitation solutions, SATO has become a beacon of hope for millions of Ethiopians.

Addressing the Sanitation Crisis

Ethiopia, like many developing nations, has faced significant challenges in providing adequate sanitation facilities to its population. According to various reports, a considerable portion of the Ethiopian population lacks access to basic sanitation, leading to severe health and environmental issues. The introduction of SATO toilets has been a game-changer in addressing these challenges.

OUR JOURNEY INTO ETHIOPIA

The first SATO unit landed in Ethiopia in 2017. Since then, we have been able to distribute nearly a quarter of a million SATO units in nine regions across the country. This has resulted in 9.2 million people benefitting from access to enhanced sanitation through SATO installations during this period.  The impact of SATO in Ethiopia has not only improved access to sanitation but has also contributed to growing the economy. We have trained more than 400 artisans who are able to skilfully install our toilets across the country, enabling them to add to their sources of income. We also have over 170 trade outlets that stock our products making SATO solutions widely accessible in Ethiopia.

WE BELIEVE IN PARTNERSHIP

In Ethiopia, we are focused on bringing our award-winning sanitation and hygiene solutions and provide a better life, every day, for local communities. We achieve this via our strong sales and distribution network thanks to the support of various partners we engage with.

In Yem, a model woreda in the Southern Nations, Nationalities, and Peoples’ Region (SNNPR), the adoption of SATO pans has been remarkable. Within a year, 950 out of 1,000 units were sold and installed in household latrines, with an additional 700 pans on order. This rapid uptake is attributed to effective community mobilization by the woreda health office, supported by UNICEF. The plan is to achieve 80% basic sanitation coverage by 2025.

In 2018, PSI through the TWASH project, was key in introducing SATO to the sanitation space in Ethiopia. Through this partnership, PSI helped us to identify gaps and formulate a working strategy that allowed us to build and strengthen SATO in the sanitation market in Ethiopia. The USAID Transform WASH project has been instrumental in promoting SATO products in Ethiopia. By facilitating partnerships between product innovators and local manufacturers and distributors, the project has expanded access to low-cost, quality WASH products and services, with a focus on sanitation.

In addition, our partnership with UNICEF has tremendously contributed to our success. Ethiopia was one of the initial countries involved in the shared-value ‘Make a Splash!’ initiative between LIXIL and UNICEF. Working together in Ethiopia, Kenya, and Tanzania, the partnership has reached more than 2.9 million people to date. The introduction of improved hygiene and sanitation products, such as the SATO pan, has encouraged community members to invest more in hygiene and sanitation. Good performers proudly showcase their toilets, motivating others to follow suit. In Kassa Oromia kebele, for instance, the community has made significant strides toward achieving 100% basic and safely managed sanitation status.

The Japanese Government has also contributed to this initiative by handing over SATO toilet pans worth US$1 million through UNICEF, benefiting 250,000 people in Ethiopia. This generous support has further accelerated the adoption of improved sanitation facilities across the country.

Let’s Work Together

The success of SATO in Ethiopia underscores the importance of affordable and innovative sanitation solutions in improving public health and dignity. By collaborating with local communities, health workers, and international partners, SATO continues to play a pivotal role in transforming sanitation practices and enhancing the quality of life for millions of Ethiopians.