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of national standards and systems, to enable linking and coordination of national infrastructure networks. This is crucial for international trade in infrastructure services at regional and global levels. Commitments made through regional trade agreements can also facilitate a process of domestic regulatory reform through the following: widening the scope of competition in services markets to include foreign operators, which could lead to higher output and employment across the sector (as in telecommunications); undertaking commitments to open up services, which may enhance the credibility of domestic policy reforms, as regional commitments can indemnify investors against the risk of possible future policy reversals; and allowing countries to tap into the regulatory expertise of their trading partners, thereby bolstering domestic regulatory capacity and harmonization. Examples of panterritorial cooperation already in place among regulators include the mechanism for central bankers in Africa, Southern African Development Community (SADC) payment systems, power pools and civil aviation authorities (Páez, 2008a). Although the State remains a major player in the provision of infrastructure services in Africa, regulatory independence is an important element of effective infrastructure services provision. The type of ownership – whether State, private, public–private partnership or joint venture – may vary, as long as it contributes to a Government’s development objectives. Private operation of a State-owned utility is a widely used method in developing countries, as the private sector often considers this less risky than full privatization. Private participation can accelerate infrastructure development and access to improved services. However, Governments must carefully analyse risks, social benefits and employment opportunities. This chapter discusses critical issues pertaining to the regulation of infrastructure services. In conclusion, given critical infrastructure needs in Africa and the status of infrastructure regulation, African countries may capitalize on opportunities for growth through international trade much more effectively if regulation addresses some of the infrastructure services constraints currently faced in Africa. This requires innovative policy reforms aimed at improving the institutional relevance and performance of regulatory bodies tasked with the mandate of balancing fiscal, national, public and private demands. For African firms to effectively exploit growing opportunities for expanded trade through global services value chains, major investments in transport, logistics and energy infrastructure are required.