This brief examines why the Water and Sanitation Sector (WSS) has not fared well in Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper (PRSPs) processes in Africa. Based on a study commissioned by the Water and Sanitation Program–Africa, the paper analyzes the integration of WSS in PRSPs in three Sub- Saharan African countries – Uganda, Zambia and Malawi – and compares this to generic experiences in Education and Health sectors. It provides recommendations on how WSS actors can better align themselves towards PRSP process and take actions to help the sector gain priority in PRSP and budget processes.