Kodu Pad, an innovation that advances menstrual hygiene with Technology

Kodu Pad, an innovation from the heart of thesavanna. In many regions of Africa, menstrual health presents significant obstacles for millions of young girls. Without access to affordable and hygienic sanitary products, these girls often miss school, avoid social interactions, and lose confidence. However, one Ghanaian startup is trying to change this by converting agricultural waste into sustainable and accessible menstrual hygiene products.

Kodu Technology, a social enterprise co-founded by Iddi Mohammed Faried, Mubaraka Umar Farouk, and Longi Aadam Hayendimah, is transforming plantain and banana waste into eco-friendly, affordable sanitary pads. With a foundation built on innovation, sustainability, and social justice, Kodu Technology aims to make menstrual hygiene products more accessible to those in need.

“At Kodu Technology, we believe no girl should have to miss out on life because of her period, and no resource should go to waste. Turning plantain and banana waste into sanitary pads is not just innovation; it’s dignity, sustainability, and impactful action,” said Iddi Mohammed Faried.

Kodu Technology’s approach addresses two critical issues: period poverty and the environmental impact of agricultural waste. By utilising fibrous materials from agrarian residues—waste that would otherwise decay or be burned—the startup creates biodegradable, high-absorbency sanitary pads that are both safe for women and environmentally friendly.

Support from organisations like the Kosmos Innovation Centre (KIC) and the Mastercard Foundation has been instrumental in the growth of Kodu Technology. The startup received funding through KIC’s AgriTech Challenge and Incubation Programs, which support startups from concept to accelerated growth, investor readiness, and scaling. Following their participation in KIC’s program, Kodu Technology has also secured additional funding from other organisations. In 2023, they were named winners of the Circular Economy Competition. In 2024, they won the Go Gettaz Agripreneur prize, beating other African startups to earn funding to expand their operations.

“At KIC, we support businesses that tackle real-world problems with innovative, locally driven solutions. Kodu Technology is an excellent example of how agribusiness innovation can go beyond food production to solve broader social challenges and promote sustainability and youth empowerment,” said Benjamin Gyan-Kesse, Executive Director of KIC.

Kodu Technology’s impact extends far beyond product innovation. The company is also a champion of rural empowerment, working with women’s groups and smallholder farmers to source raw materials and distribute the final products. In doing so, Kodu Technology is creating jobs, supporting local economies, and raising awareness about menstrual health and hygiene.

Thanks to their community-driven approach, hundreds of girls and women now have access to safe menstrual products, often for the first time. Schools in underserved areas also benefit, as Kodu Technology leads educational programs that break the stigma surrounding menstruation and foster open conversations.

Kodu Technology’s work has earned recognition from various development partners and innovation hubs in Ghana and beyond. As the company expands, its vision remains focused on transforming menstrual health access across Africa.

With continued support from KIC and the Mastercard Foundation, Kodu Technology is proving that girls deserve better and that innovation, grounded in local realities, can spark global change.