How basic sanitation coverage changed in Southern Africa
Lesotho’s estimated basic sanitation coverage rose from 13.91% in 2000 to 47.89% in 2024. Mozambique moved from 10.74% to 38.59%. Coverage increased in all six countries in the comparison.
Sources checked
Southern Africa Review Editorial Team
2024At least basic sanitation by country
South Africa77.38%
Botswana72.12%
Lesotho47.89%
Namibia38.72%
Mozambique38.59%
Zambia37.48%
The 2024 comparison uses the same basic-service definition in all six countries.
The estimate rose from 29.02% in 2010 to 42.73% in 2020 and 47.89% in 2024. Mozambique increased by about 27.9 points between 2000 and 2024. Source 1
Three countries were within 1.3 points in 2024
Namibia was at 38.72%, Mozambique at 38.59% and Zambia at 37.48%. South Africa and Botswana were above 70%. The full table retains their different starting points and annual paths. Source 1
Private use is part of the threshold
An improved facility shared by multiple households falls in the limited service category. The at-least-basic estimate includes improved, unshared facilities even when safe management of the waste has not been demonstrated. Source 2
A sewer connection is one route to the threshold
Eligible sanitation can include improved on-site facilities such as pit latrines with slabs or toilets connected to septic tanks. To assess waste treatment or the need for sewer extensions, consult the safely managed indicator and local infrastructure records. Source 2