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West And Central Africa

SHF is currently working with the Government of Nigeria to create the foundations for the sanitation economy and menstrual health market. SHF has also commissioned sanitation economy assessments in Benin, Burkina Faso and Sierra Leone.  Finally, SHF has collaborated with WHO to develop WASH accounts in these countries.

Country engagement: Nigeria

In 2022, the total value of the sanitation economy was US$ 5.8 billion, with the potential to exceed US$ 12 billion once universal access is achieved. The value of the menstrual health market stands at USD 680 million and holds the potential to reach USD 810 million should current trajectories persist.

The private sector is already investing in the development and distribution of sanitation products, such as low-cost toilet components, pit emptying and waste management systems. Through innovation it can also drive the menstrual health market. Both markets provide jobs and stimulate local economies.

In Nigeria, SHF works with the Government and partners to support the development of these markets. SHF focuses in particular on shaping and building the sanitation market through SME and micro-enterprise support in urban cholera hotspots.

Read 2022 Sanitation Economy estimates in Nigeria here

Sanitation economy estimates: Benin, Burkina Faso and Sierra Leone

In 2023, SHF also commissioned deep dive analyses into the sanitation economies of Benin, Burkina Faso and Sierra Leone, with the aim of detailing the investment case and financing strategy for sanitation and hygiene, including menstrual health and public reform in each national context. 

Read 2022 Sanitation Economy estimates here

WASH accounts

WASH accounts hold the promise of significantly improving the performance of WASH systems while enhancing transparency and accountability. Throughout 2023, SHF collaborated with WHO to review and update WASH accounts using the WHO’s Tracking Financing to WASH (TrackFin) methodology. Having information about funding flows enables better benchmarking, planning and decision making, and can also be a tool to attract new investment. This work was carried out in Benin, Burkina Faso, Kenya, Nigeria, Sierra Leone and Uganda.

This led to two cohorts of African countries building WASH accounts, one francophone and one anglophone. In addition to country-specific technical assistance, WHO was able to pull in global and regional partners to raise the profile of the importance of WASH accounting to relevant technical experts and stakeholders.