Continuing its commitment to enhancing sanitation access and strengthening local business, COWASH IV is advancing its initiative to reinforce sanitation product supply chains in rural Ethiopia. This week marks a step with the ongoing transportation of 200 plastic toilet slabs from Addis Ababa to Market-based Sanitation Centers (MSCs) in Chirone and Selekelaka Woredas, located in Sidama and Tigray Regions, respectively. These supplies were purchased by the COWASH IV team on behalf of the MSCs at the end of last week (July 12, 2025).

This latest distribution builds on COWASH IV’s approach to strengthening sustainable supply channels for MSCs, enabling them to thrive as viable businesses. Beyond initial setup and supportive supervision, COWASH IV’s comprehensive support empowers MSCs to provide accessible and affordably priced sanitation products to their customers, primarily COWASH IV water beneficiary households and WASH Saving and Loan Associations established by the project. This also helps them establish robust working relationships with suppliers for their future procurement needs, generate profits that contribute to long-term WASH business sustainability, and effectively promote sanitation products within communities, thereby expanding essential services and improving hygiene practices in rural areas.

Building on Efforts to Restore Sanitation Product Supply Chains in Tigray

The current initiative extends COWASH IV’s work in restoring sanitation product supply chains in Tigray following the end of conflict in the region. In December 2024, COWASH IV facilitated the purchase and distribution of 100 medium plastic toilet slabs to MSCs in Degua Tembien and Endamekoni Woredas. In addition, the project team facilitated the purchase and distribution of 110 medium plastic toilet slabs to Endamekoni Woreda in February 2025.

This earlier effort was crucial for strengthening supply chains, improving access to essential sanitation products for COWASH IV community water point beneficiary households and supporting the growth of local businesses by empowering MBSCs in a challenging environment.

COWASH IV federal and regional teams were instrumental in connecting these MSCs with suppliers for improved toilet slabs in both the current and previous initiatives. The Project advocated for these MSCs to receive priority, considering their financial capacity and specific product interests, ensuring a smooth and equitable procurement process.

These continuous actions, from targeted support for MSCs to restoring and strengthening supply chain efforts, underscore COWASH IV’s commitment to ensuring sustainable and resilient sanitation access for rural Ethiopia, fostering lasting change and healthier communities.