EMPOWERING MARKETS, TRANSFORMING LIVES:
THE TRANSFORM WASH STORY
By Fana Abay, Marketing and Communications Director, PSI Ethiopia
For eight remarkable years, USAID 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 .” Household
The journey of T/WASH began in 2017 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 enhanced demand of low-cost, quality WASH products and services. The activity contributed to building the enabling environment for WASH governance at national and sub-national level. From remote villages to small towns, T/WASH brought innovative solutions right to the doorsteps of Ethiopian households.
Thanks to T/WASH, this vision became a reality for many. Over 226,000 sanitation products were sold, each representing a step towards better health and hygiene.
Empowering Communities
At the heart of T/WASH’s success were the people and businesses it empowered. Local masons, trained in both sales and installation, became champions of change, transforming lives one toilet at a time. These masons, armed with skills and knowledge, reached over 226,000 households, encouraging investments in better sanitation. Read the stories of the people themselves:
- Mother ‘SATO’
- Harnessing Potential: Khaleel Ahmed’s Triumph with DQ Sales®
- Market-Based Sanitation Win-Win: Profitable Businesses and Positive Community Change.
Women, often the unsung heroes in their communities, found new opportunities through T/WASH. By 2021, 33 women-led businesses were thriving in the sanitation market, breaking barriers and setting new standards. Although the target of 25% female business participation was ambitious, the progress made was inspiring where women lead businesses were more than 10% and laid a strong foundation for continued gender inclusion in the sector. Read stories of our women champions:
- Women Powering Progress: Leveraging Water for Peace.
- Towards a #PeriodFriendlyWorld: The Impact of the Private Sector on Menstrual Hygiene Management in Ethiopia.
- Strengthening women’s role for a sustainable sanitation transformation
Financial barriers often stand in the way of progress, but T/WASH 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 success of T/WASH was a testament to the power of partnerships. 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 dive into many learning notes here.
In addition to these partnerships, T/WASH 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 ensuring that the benefits of T/WASH would continue long after the program’s conclusion. Read stories from our dynamic business partners below:
- How an 8th grade dropout sanitation entrepreneur is saving lives: Becoming a female sanitation entrepreneur against all odds.
- Empowering Micro-Entrepreneurs Through WASH Capacity Building: A Collaborative Approach to Creating Thriving Sanitation Business in Ethiopia.
Every End is a Beginning
As 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.” Word from 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 towards 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, T/WASH has shown that when communities, governments, and organizations come together with a shared vision, remarkable things can happen.
The journey may have ended, but the impact of T/WASH will be felt for generations to come. And as we look to the future with M4S, we are reminded that the work of improving WASH access is never truly finished. Each new challenge is an opportunity to innovate, collaborate, and make a difference — one toilet at a time.
