Empowering Markets, Transforming Lives

Summary

Tigist Taffese, a manufacturer in Aleta Wendo, Sidama region of Ethiopia, engaging in a counseling session with a household owner using the DQ sales® approach.
Photo credit: PSI Ethiopia

For eight years, USAID’s Transform WASH (T/WASH) Activity has been a catalyst for change in Ethiopia, revolutionizing the market for water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH). This USAID-funded initiative, led by Population Services International (PSI) along with partners SNV, IRC, and Plan International, has left a lasting mark on the lives of over a million Ethiopians.

“Since the Transform WASH Activity started in our area, our daily lives have changed dramatically. Access to clean water and improved sanitation means fewer illnesses and more time for my family and I to focus on education and work. The changes have brought us closer together and given us a healthier, more hopeful future.” –Community member

Starting in 2017, USAID set out with a goal to reduce preventable deaths and illnesses due to diarrheal disease, particularly among children under five by making affordable, high-quality sanitation products and services accessible. The cornerstone of this vision was the market-based sanitation (MBS) model, which activated local markets and supply chains and increased demand for low-cost, quality WASH products and services. USAID contributed to building the enabling environment for WASH governance at national and sub-national level. From remote villages to small towns, USAID brought innovative solutions right to the doorsteps of Ethiopian households.

Between 2017-2024, USAID facilitated sales of over 226,000 sanitation products, each representing a step towards better health and hygiene.

Empowering Communities

At the heart of this success were the people and businesses who collaborated with USAID to realize a better vision for the future. Local masons were trained in both sales and installation, bringing improved health and enterprise to their communities one toilet at a time. Armed with enhanced knowledge and skills, these masons reached more than 226,000 households over eight years. Read their stories here:

By 2021, 33 women-led businesses were thriving in the sanitation market, breaking barriers and setting new standards. By 2024, women-led businesses represented more than 10 percent of the sanitation markets in USAID-supported communities. This creates a strong foundation for future women business leaders and artisans to thrive. Read stories of women champions:

Financial barriers often stand in the way of progress, but USAID tackled this challenge head-on. Innovative financing options, including partnerships with microfinance institutions, revolving funds, and sanitation subsidy made it possible for families to afford vital sanitation upgrades. These financial solutions were more than just loans; they were investments in health, dignity, and the future.

A Collaborative Effort: United for Change

The collaboration between USAID, the Federal Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Labor and Skills, the Ministry of Water and Energy, and numerous regional and local health offices created a formidable force for change. The One WASH National Program, IRC WASH Ethiopia, and SNV brought their expertise to the table, ensuring that every initiative was grounded in knowledge and best practices. You can read the learning notes here.

In addition to these partnerships, USAID worked closely with 528 private sector partners, including manufacturers, wholesalers, installers, and retailers. This extensive network helped establish a robust WASH supply chain that made quality sanitation products and services more accessible and affordable. The involvement of local businesses was crucial in creating a sustainable market that would continue long after the program’s conclusion. Read stories from USAID’s dynamic business partners below:

Engineer Zegeye Mutuka installing a plastic slab, SATO Pan.
Photo credit: PSI Ethiopia

Every End is a Beginning

As USAID T/WASH concluded its journey in 2024, it left behind more than just improved sanitation facilities; it left a legacy. Over one million Ethiopians now have access to better WASH services–a testament to what can be achieved through dedication, innovation, and collaboration. The “handover certificates” awarded to more than 30 woredas symbolize not just the end of a project, but the beginning of a sustained commitment to health and hygiene.

The success of T/WASH has paved the way for a new chapter in Ethiopia’s WASH journey. PSI Ethiopia has been tasked with a new project from USAID, the Market for Sanitation (M4S) Activity.

This initiative aims to build on the achievements of T/WASH by increasing locally led gender-inclusive and equitable access to improved sanitation and hygiene products and services, ultimately contributing to a reduction in child mortality.

“Celebrating Transform WASH, we see the powerful impact of collective effort and market-based approaches on communities. With M4S, we’re advancing universal and inclusive sanitation and hygiene for all through innovative market solutions,” said the T/WASH & Market for Sanitation Chief of Party.

In partnership with Women in Self Employment (WISE), Vision Fund MFI, and IRC, PSI Ethiopia will lead this collaborative effort, which marks a pivotal step toward addressing critical public health challenges through sustainable WASH solutions. M4S will continue the strong institutionalization component of T/WASH, ensuring that the gains made are not only preserved but also expanded upon. By focusing on inclusivity and equity, and involvement of local partner organizations, M4S aims to create a more accessible and sustainable sanitation market, reinforcing the progress made and setting new standards for the future.

In the end, USAID has shown that when communities, governments, and organizations come together with a shared vision and plan for the future, remarkable things can happen.

Originally published by PSI Ethiopia on Medium; edited for clarity.