Unicharm Corporation and Toyota Tsusho Corporation and its group company CFAO Kenya Limited, will begin production and sales of sanitary napkins in Kenya beginning this month, with the aim of contributing to women’s social advancement and solving social issues through the popularization of sanitary products in the African market.

In October 2024, Unicharm said it was selling Sofy sanitary pads in three African countries, including Kenya. At the time, it was reported that the Japanese company would serve these markets from an existing facility in Egypt. However, the company has had challenges balancing quality and price, meaning many local women continued to be denied access to the products.

A partnership with Toyota Tsusho will allow Unicharm to locally produce Sofy Long Lasting sanitary napkins, at a reliable quality level and reasonable price, creating an environment where more women can access sanitary products. CFAO Kenya will be responsible for product sales. 

Unicharm and Toyota Tsusho aim to combine their respective strengths – Unicharm’s nonwoven fabric and absorbent processing and molding technologies and Toyota Tsusho’s local network and experience – to deliver new value in regions where the use of sanitary products is not widespread.

The penetration rate of sanitary napkins in African markets is low, particularly in Kenya, where it currently stands at approximately 30%.


Takahisa Takahara, president & CEO of Unicharm Corporation, comments: “Together with Toyota Tsusho, Unicharm aims to realize a society where all people can live with peace of mind through the widespread use of sanitary products in the African market. Through this initiative, we will establish a sustainable business model rooted in the region by combining Toyota Tsusho’s extensive network with our technological capabilities and contribute to enhancing the quality of life (QOL) of local consumers.

“In addition, the project that we have been promoting since December 2023 aims to provide high-quality products at reasonable prices and deliver sanitary products to all those in need.

“By selecting Kenya for our first initiative in Africa and establishing a local production system, we will create an environment where many people can use our products with peace of mind.”


Ichiro Kashitani, member of the board, president & CEO, Toyota Tsusho, comments: “Under the philosophy of “With Africa for Africa,” Toyota Tsusho aims to contribute to the development of the African region in all 54 African countries by focusing on the four business domains of ‘Mobility,’ ‘Infrastructure,’ ‘Healthcare,’ and ‘Consumers.’

“We are very pleased to be working with Unicharm to provide reliable, high-quality sanitary products at reasonable prices that meet local needs in Africa, starting with Kenya. By establishing a local production and sales system, we will support the improvement of sanitary environments and the social advancement of women, thereby contributing to the revitalization of local economies.”