Using analogous sectors to build good practice resources in regulation of urban faecal sludge emptying and transport.

In eastern and southern Africa, faecal sludge emptying and transport is the dominant urban sanitation solution, mainly delivered by a diverse and largely informal private sector. While regulation is advancing, there is limited evidence on how to build compliance among service providers at scale. This article explores learning from six analogous sectors - street food vending, informal transport, artisanal mining, alternative water supply, construction waste management, and municipal waste pickers - to inform effective regulatory practices. A rapid literature review (220 publications) and expert input (24 sector specialists) were combined with 19 key informant interviews with regional sanitation regulators. The findings highlight emerging good practices: making compliance clear, simple, visible, and valued; understanding service providers' economic and social and normative drivers; and using participatory, adaptive regulation. Key insights include the need to move beyond binary views of informality, tailor policies to diverse provider types, and work effectively through associations. Limitations of information-based tools like vehicle tracking were also noted. Recommendations for a more inclusive regulatory approach are proposed.