According to reports, Unicharm will begin selling its Sofy sanitary products in three African countries: Ghana, Cote d’Ivoire, and Kenya by the end of the year. The Japanese company currently manufactures these products in Africa at a site in Egypt and will supply new markets from this facility.

Even thought Procter & Gamble has been developing this market for some time, penetration still remains low, estimated at about 50%, even in more developed region. This means there is considerable room for growth.

The roll out is expected to begin by November and the company is hoping to achieve $13 million sales by 2026. The products will mainly be available in supermarkets although the company is considering providing local women with free storefronts for the sale of the pads.

If successful, the company will consider expansion into Nigeria and South Africa.