FEEP Fibertech introduces eco-friendly delivery mats to revolutionise maternal healthcare
A Ghanaian startup is pioneering a sustainable shift in maternal healthcare with a unique innovation that turns agricultural waste into life-saving delivery mats for mothers.
FEEP Fibertech, a beneficiary of the Kosmos Innovation Center (KIC), is converting discarded plantain stems into biodegradable delivery mats designed to offer safer, cleaner and more accessible birthing conditions for expectant mothers, particularly in underserved communities.
The company’s innovation addresses two pressing challenges — the rising cost of maternal healthcare materials and the growing global concern over medical waste. Traditional delivery mats are not only expensive but often end up as non-biodegradable waste. FEEP Fibertech’s solution, however, leverages locally sourced agricultural by-products, significantly reducing costs and environmental impact.
“We believe every mother deserves a safe and dignified birth experience,” said Tahiru Francisca, Co-founder of FEEP Fibertech. “By transforming plantain stem fibers into eco-friendly delivery mats, we are not just innovating — we are redefining maternal healthcare with sustainability and affordability at its core.”
With support from the Kosmos Innovation Center and Mastercard Foundation, the company has gained access to funding, mentorship, and business development resources, enabling it to scale operations and deepen its social impact. The startup’s model not only enhances maternal care but also supports job creation across the value chain — from production staff to local farmers supplying the plantain stems.
FEEP Fibertech’s work aligns with the global push toward circular economies and sustainable health interventions. In communities where access to proper maternal care is limited, the mats offer a clean and low-cost alternative that could reduce infections and improve birth outcomes.
“At KIC, we believe that young entrepreneurs are the driving force behind Ghana’s economic transformation,” said Benjamin Gyan-Kesse, Executive Director of the Kosmos Innovation Center. “Our goal is to equip startups like FEEP Fibertech with the necessary tools and guidance to scale their solutions, ensuring they can contribute meaningfully to both business growth and social impact.”
Beyond healthcare, the innovation is fostering rural economic development by creating a new market for plantain farmers who once had no use for the stems after harvesting. The initiative exemplifies how agribusiness solutions can simultaneously tackle social, environmental, and economic challenges.
Looking ahead, FEEP Fibertech plans to expand its reach to more health facilities and midwives across Ghana and explore new partnerships that will help bring its innovation to other countries in West Africa.
As the company continues to grow, it remains committed to its core mission: ensuring no mother is left behind due to economic or logistical barriers, and that sustainable practices drive the future of maternal care.