Sanivation began in 2014 with one project in Kenya. By 2024, we had expanded to 10 cities across the country. This local growth gave us first-hand experience of working with government stakeholders and tailoring sanitation solutions to fit very different contexts.

Building on that foundation, we developed a framework to guide international expansion. Our approach considers factors such as enabling environment, market potential, available resources, accountability, and partnerships. This process helped us prioritize two countries, Tanzania and Nigeria, where we now have three active projects and a growing pipeline, within just two years.

Lessons from Our Expansion Journey
As we reflect on our journey so far, a few key lessons stand out for organizations thinking about scaling regionally.

1. Alignment is everything
   Expansion only works when the entire team is clear on the “why.” For us, that means staying anchored to our mission to partner with African cities to achieve safely managed sanitation for all. Clarity on purpose helps us manage risks, secure buy-in, and maintain momentum. It also ensures that the choices we make about where, how, and when to expand are mission-driven and sustainable, not opportunistic.

2. Expansion is a phased journey
   One of our biggest learnings is that expansion cannot be rushed. Entering a new country involves distinct stages: validation, careful entry, early execution, and eventually scale. Each phase requires dedicated resources and deliberate pacing. Success depends on patience, both in building government and community trust, and in securing the type of patient capital that supports long-term impact. In sanitation, meaningful change takes years of investment before results fully materialize, which makes the role of long-term partners and funders all the more critical.

3. Partnerships unlock credibility
   Relationships determine how quickly you gain traction in a new country. Local partners bring context, relationships, and trust. International partners often bring credibility and visibility. Together, they accelerate validation, open doors, and make it possible to deliver at scale.

4. Local presence builds trust
   Expansion is not just about projects, it is about people. Having a local presence early, whether through staff or consultants, has been essential. It signals commitment, helps navigate government processes, and builds the credibility that is difficult to fully achieve with an external HQ team.

Conclusion
With these lessons, we are excited about the journey ahead to expand our reach, serve more communities, and contribute to greener, more resilient cities across Africa. We look forward to doing this in partnership with funders, governments, and investors who share this vision.