France, through AFD, joins hands with CARE France, Eagate, and the EiTEX to develop the production and distribution of menstrual hygiene products in Ethiopia

Addis Ababa, June 9, 2023 - CARE France, represented by M. Alexandre Morel, Co-General Director, and the Agence Française de Développement (AFD), led by Ms. Valerie TEHIO, Country Director, came together today in the presence of H.E. Remi Marechaux, the Ambassador of France in Ethiopia and for the African Union, to sign a groundbreaking grant agreement worth 146 million Birr, that complements a 48 million Birr support to develop a private public dialogue platform through a contract with Eagate.

In Ethiopia, 72% of women and girls report not being able to manage their menstruation and related hygiene with dignity. The primary objective of this project is to reinforce the menstrual hygiene and health (MHH) sector in Ethiopia. By fostering the development of the MHH value chain in particular the production and distribution to the last mile of MH products by the private sector, it will ensure that girls and women across the country have sustainable access to high-quality, affordable, and environmentally friendly menstrual hygiene products.

This ambitious project is designed to achieve two key goals. Firstly, it seeks to overcome obstacles that hinder the growth of the private sector by establishing a platform for public-private dialogue, with the support of Eagate. Secondly, it aims to develop a pilot local production of biodegradable top-notch, and cost-effective MH products based on local raw materials, thanks to the contribution of the Ethiopian Institute of Textile (EiTEX) of the University of Bahir Dar. Simultaneously, the project will work towards developing last mile distribution, reaching even the most remote areas, and supporting private sector growth. CARE France and CARE Ethiopia will develop awareness raising activities and manage the support to the MH pilot production and distribution through support to the private sector. With a projected engagement of 5 million individuals throughout the project duration, its impact will be far-reaching.

AFD is already contributing to MHH improvement with the support of CARE, in Adama. "Through this partnership, AFD, EiTEX, Eagate and CARE are embarking on an effort to revolutionize menstrual hygiene products' production and distribution and finding solutions to reduce the limitations to the value chain. We couldn't be more thrilled about this project, small in financial size but which aligns with our strategic vision in the country, develops partnerships between private and public actors and could make a substantial impact on various sustainable development goals," stated Valérie Tehio, AFD Country Director in Ethiopia.

France is at the forefront of women's empowerment and wants to unlock the private sector contribution to a problem that jeopardizes the quality of life of millions of women, says Remi Marechaux, Ambassador of France in Ethiopia and for the African Union.

CARE also showed its commitment of the project and stated "we are very glad to sign this new partnership with AFD on menstrual hygiene and health and more specifically on strengthening access to menstrual hygiene products in Ethiopia".

Press contact

• AFD | Charlotte LE LAYO, Regional Communications Manager for Eastern Africa - +254 759 637