Benefits to business of tri -sector partnerships : public, private & civil society partnerships providing water and sanitation to the poor

This note briefly surveys the benefits to business of working in partnership to serve poor customers. It discuses reasons why private companies should be concerned with serving the poor such as a strategic advantage in bidding for new work, the fact that political and social pressure to include the needs of the poor will grow, and the ability to pay for water services among the poor. It introduces the concept of tri-sector partnerships, bringing together the skills and resources of diverse partners in joint activities. Circumstances where tri-sector partnerships may not be the best option are suggested. The paper includes case studies and useful sources of information.