Tanzania

A Mission to Improve Sanitation

In Tanzania, where over 40% of households still lack access to improved sanitation facilities, the need for innovative and affordable solutions is urgent. Poor sanitation leads to water contamination, disease outbreaks, and environmental degradation, all of which take a significant toll on public health and productivity. SATO, a global leader in sanitation innovation, is committed to changing this reality by offering accessible, affordable, and sustainable solutions that transform lives across the nation.

Affordable, Innovative Solutions Tailored for Tanzania

SATO products are designed to address the unique sanitation challenges faced by Tanzanians. The SATO Pan, for example, offers a simple yet effective upgrade to traditional pit latrines. Equipped with a mechanical trap door that opens and closes with use, it reduces odors and prevents the entry of flies and other disease-carrying pests. This design improves user experience while maintaining hygiene standards.

Costing as little as one-quarter of the price of ceramic toilets, the SATO Pan is an affordable option for many households. Its easy installation process has also made it popular in rural and semi-urban areas where access to skilled labor may be limited. By providing an effective, low-cost solution, SATO helps communities improve sanitation without significant financial strain.

Partnering with Local Entrepreneurs

SATO’s impact extends beyond providing products—it empowers Tanzanians through entrepreneurship. Collaborating with local manufacturers, artisans, and business owners, SATO ensures that its products are widely available and economically beneficial to local communities.

For instance, dedicated toilet business owners in rural Tanzania have played a crucial role in promoting and distributing SATO products. Their efforts not only drive adoption but also create livelihoods, fostering economic growth at the grassroots level.

Supporting Tanzania’s National Sanitation Campaigns

SATO actively supports Tanzania’s National Sanitation Campaigns, which aim to improve access to sanitation facilities and reduce the prevalence of open defecation. By participating in government-led initiatives, SATO ensures that its products reach the most vulnerable populations.

Through these collaborations, SATO has helped to improve sanitation for thousands of households, contributing to the country’s progress toward achieving Sustainable Development Goal 6—clean water and sanitation for all.

Empowering Local Communities Through Training

SATO recognizes that sustainable sanitation solutions require skilled installation and maintenance. To this end, the company has facilitated training programs for masons, artisans, and sanitation entrepreneurs across Tanzania. These programs provide participants with the technical knowledge to install and maintain SATO products, creating local capacity while generating employment opportunities.

For example, in rural districts, trained masons now offer SATO Pan installations as part of their services, earning additional income while improving sanitation standards in their communities.

Beyond Toilets: Advancing Hygiene with the SATO Tap

In addition to improving sanitation facilities, SATO promotes hygiene through its innovative SATO Tap. This affordable handwashing solution is designed to increase access to handwashing facilities in communities with limited water resources. By encouraging regular handwashing, the SATO Tap helps reduce the spread of diseases such as cholera and COVID-19, further enhancing public health.

Real Impact, Real Change

The adoption of SATO products in Tanzania has already delivered tangible results. Families report fewer illnesses, improved living conditions, and increased pride in their homes. Moreover, the presence of improved sanitation facilities fosters a sense of dignity, particularly for women and children who are disproportionately affected by poor sanitation.

Supporting our export markets

With Tanzania as a hub, we export SATO units to Malawi, Zambia, Madagascar, and Mozambique. In Malawi, the SATO business is handled by Phalombe hardware, our main distributor with locations in Blantyre and Lilongwe. Venture Investments is our sub-distributor in this market. As in other SATO markets, partnerships contribute to the success of SATO sales in the region. In Malawi, we are working with Hygiene Village Project, Water For People, PDI, and Yvone Chimera to create demand and enable sustainable supply chains the region.

In Zambia we work with ANSCO Water Tec, Rapha Nissi, and Federal Engineering to improve sanitation for households in Lusaka through a project supported by World Bank. Water Aid and PSI are our main partners in Mozambique and have been instrumental in piloting and introducing SATO units to the country.

Join the Movement for Better Sanitation in Tanzania

At SATO, we believe that access to safe sanitation is a fundamental human right. Through affordable innovations, strong partnerships, and a commitment to empowering communities, we are making significant strides in improving sanitation and hygiene across Tanzania.

Join us in our mission to create a healthier, cleaner, and more dignified future for all Tanzanians. Together, we can make universal sanitation a reality.