This study discusses two important development trends emerging throughout the world as we enter the twenty-first century: public-private partnerships and participatory development. In the first case, the study identifies best practices and specific steps that African countries could take to encourage private sector involvement in the delivery of social services and infrastructure, with particular emphasis on water and sanitation services. In the second, the study explores modalities and best practices to engage citizens in policy-making processes, particularly with respect to the formulation and implementation of national budgets.