Yazeed redefines sanitation entrepreneurship across West Africa
Conversations about African economic development have traditionally centered on technology hubs, oil revenues, and foreign direct investment. Far less attention has been given to the cleaning and sanitation sector—an industry
Conversations about African economic development have traditionally centered on technology hubs, oil revenues, and foreign direct investment. Far less attention has been given to the cleaning and sanitation sector—an industry that underpins the daily functioning of cities and quietly employs thousands across the continent.
Barr. Yakubu Mohammed Yazeed, a Nigerian industry reformer, is working to change that narrative. Through a growing body of work focused on professionalizing cleaning and laundry businesses, Yazeed is repositioning the sector as a viable and scalable economic force rather than an informal, low-margin trade.
In Nigeria, often referred to as the “Giant of Africa,” Yazeed has built a reputation as a structural reform advocate within the cleaning industry. His approach challenges long-standing assumptions about the sector, emphasizing profitability, operational systems, and long-term growth. Rather than viewing cleaning services as casual labor, he promotes them as structured enterprises capable of generating measurable returns.
Yazeed’s recent expansion into Accra, Ghana, signals a broader regional shift. During a series of training sessions and his “Dominate Your Cleaning Business” masterclass, he introduced operators to business fundamentals often overlooked in the industry. Participants were encouraged to formalize their operations through proper registration and compliance, implement staffing systems, and pursue long-term facility management contracts instead of relying on inconsistent daily jobs.
Central to his message is a clear assertion: cleaning businesses can and should operate as profitable enterprises. His framework challenges entrepreneurs to move from survival-based operations to structured, scalable models.
Beyond business strategy, Yazeed’s work aligns with global development priorities, including the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Formalized cleaning enterprises contribute to job creation, particularly for women and youth who make up a significant portion of the workforce, while also strengthening urban sanitation systems essential to sustainable cities.
The Nigeria-to-Ghana expansion reflects a broader perspective on African economic growth—one that recognizes the importance of upgrading existing industries alongside emerging sectors. As urban populations expand across West Africa, the demand for structured sanitation services continues to grow, positioning the cleaning industry as a foundational component of modern economies.
While the sector may not attract the visibility of technology or finance, its impact remains significant. Yazeed’s work highlights the potential within overlooked industries and underscores the role of entrepreneurship in driving inclusive and sustainable development across the region.
