Cleaning, sanitation & hygiene sector as an innovation driver of public health

Africa and the Middle East are regions experiencing rapid urbanization and economic growth, leading to an increased demand for clean water, sanitation, and hygiene. Despite facing challenges such as lack of capital, stringent regulations, and counterfeit products, the cleaning, sanitation, and hygiene sector has emerged as a critical driver of growth, innovation, and public health. CNBC Africa's Derrick Muhangi recently interviewed Sandra Nabakka, Founder & CEO of Elevate Bridge Building LTD, to delve into the key issues and opportunities within the sector. One of the primary challenges discussed was the lack of capital for companies producing hygiene products. Many struggle to meet high-quality standards due to financial constraints, hindering their ability to innovate and improve their offerings. Additionally, stringent regulations pose a barrier to entry for small businesses in the sector. The process of obtaining approvals and navigating various regulatory bodies can be complex and time-consuming, particularly for those unfamiliar with the requirements. Counterfeit products also present a significant challenge, with original hygiene items being duplicated and sold in the market. Sandra highlighted the importance of leveraging technology and innovation to overcome these challenges and drive growth in the sector. By utilizing artificial intelligence (AI), companies can enhance the quality of their products and detect counterfeit items more effectively. Technology offers solutions for improving product development, enhancing quality control, and distinguishing genuine products from fakes. In response to business risks such as poor hygiene and sanitation standards, companies are implementing measures to mitigate these issues. To combat counterfeiting, Sandra emphasized the need for government intervention in enforcing regulations and cracking down on counterfeit operations. Eliminating middlemen in the supply chain can also help reduce costs and ensure affordable access to hygiene products for consumers. By streamlining the distribution process from producers to end-users, companies can enhance accessibility and affordability. Poverty was identified as a key risk affecting product quality, as financial constraints may impede the ability of manufacturers to deliver high-quality items. Sandra proposed that investments or funding initiatives aimed at supporting producers could help elevate product standards and mitigate the impact of poverty on product quality. Overall, the cleaning, sanitation, and hygiene sector in Africa and the Middle East are undergoing a transformation through innovation and technology. With a focus on enhancing product quality, combating counterfeiting, and improving standards, companies in the sector are poised to drive growth and deliver impactful solutions for public health and hygiene.