Scaling Pathways for Sanitation Business Models
A guide to building viable and impactful sanitation enterprises
Sanitation enterprises are essential to achieving SDG 6, yet few have found clear routes to scale. This publication provides practical guidance for entrepreneurs, funders and sector partners who seek to unlock scalable and sustainable sanitation solutions.
Drawing on extensive field experience, research and insights from entrepreneurs, financiers and experts across Africa, Scaling Pathways for Sanitation Business Models outlines the benchmarks, success factors and investment needs that define the journey from pilot to scale.
The report presents four detailed scaling pathways: Container Based Sanitation, Emptying and Transport, Decentralized Treatment and Resource Reuse Models. Each pathway includes milestones, key performance indicators and financing considerations. Together, they form a comprehensive framework for understanding how viable sanitation businesses evolve, what support they need at each stage and how to maximise both commercial and social impact.
Who it is for
This publication is relevant for Entrepreneurs developing or refining sanitation business models, Impact investors, funders and development partners seeking scalable investment opportunities and any sector support organisations and policy makers working to strengthen market-based sanitation system
Download the publication to explore how targeted support and smart financing can help sanitation enterprises deliver lasting impact at scale (see below).
Upcoming Webinars
Please check back for future webinar announcements.
Past Webinars
Following the release of “Scaling Pathways for Sanitation Business Models,” a dedicated webinar series explored each of the four business models in greater depth. Each session highlighted key lessons, challenges, and investment needs for scaling, featuring speakers with direct experience from the field. Participation was open to practitioners, entrepreneurs, investors, and academics interested in sanitation and related sectors (links to the webinar recordings below).
Webinar 1: Container-based Sanitation
January 30, 2026 | 15:00 -15:45 UTC | Completed | Click here to watch the video
Webinar 2: Emptying and Transport
February 24, 2026 | 15:00 -15:45 UTC | Completed | Click here to watch the video
Webinar 3: Decentralized Treatment
March 24, 2026 | 15:00 -15:45 UTC | Completed | Recording coming soon
Webinar 4: Reuse Business Models
May 12, 2026 | 15:00 -15:45 UTC | Completed | Recording coming soon