This case study for youth participation in Managing for Development Results (MfDR) provides a basis for discussion amongst Africa Community of Practice (AfCoP) members on how to increase understanding of the growing importance of, and greater potential for, youth participation in national development processes; and provide initial practical guidance to assist regional and pan-African bodies and policy makers to work more effectively with and for young people. Participation must be at all levels of the development process; from conceptualisation and planning, policy development and implementation, to reviewing, monitoring, and evaluating effectiveness. Youth participation should be viewed as a positive factor and an opportunity rather than a problem. The inclusion of youth does not only benefit young people, but also results in better projects, programmes, policies design and implementation as well as sustainable impact on society as a whole. Youth participation is the active, informed and voluntary involvement of young people in decision-making and the life of their communities (both locally and globally). Participation means working with young people, not merely working for them. The success of development agendas is largely measured by the publics participation in the process of decision making and responsiveness of the system to popular demands. The case study advocates for mainstreaming youth in issues important to them, by meaningfully engaging them at all levels of policy development, implementation and governance. A shift in working with young people, and valuing them as assets: as advisors, colleagues and stakeholders is crucial if development policies and programmes are to be truly representative and effective. Youth participation: the active, informed and voluntary involvement of young people in decision-making and the life of their communities (both locally and globally) are vital if sustainable development is to be achieved.