FACTORS HINDER SUSTAINABILITY ON LOCAL MANUFACTURING OF MODERN REUSABLE PADS; A CASE STUDY FROM TANZANIA

Hyasintha Ntuyeko, Kasole Secrets
Giorgio Colombo, OIKOS East Africa

Local manufacturing is the backbone of the Tanzanian economy. Fair and friendly investment environment is crucial for attracting more investors in the sector. Small-scale Menstrual Health and Hygiene (MHH) products' local manufacturers face more challenges than small-scale MHH products importers. Challenges on procurement logistics, regulations, tax, product distribution, access to tax incentives and financing are not necessarily faced by large-scale MHH products local manufactures and importers. According to the study done by Oikos and funded by the World Bank in 2023, more than 95% of MHH products sold in Tanzania are imported, with China accounting for 55% of imports followed by Kenya (19%) and South Africa (7%). Data available showed, all imported Modern Reusable pads are purchased by NGOs for donation purposes and neither locally produced nor imported Modern Reusable pads has penetrated the wholesale or retail markets. The study found, overall industry of Local manufacturing of Modern Reusable pads in Tanzania is dominated by women and youth, majority of them are micro and small-scale manufacturers. The study also identified barriers that hinders growth and sustainability of local manufacturers and provided key recommendations for Ministry of Health, Development partners and MHH coalitions

Keywords: Census data, Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights, Human Capital, Education, and Work, Population, Shocks and Pandemics

See extended abstract.