Monrovia โ The Government of Liberia has announced a major breakthrough in reviving its partnership with the U.S. Governmentโs Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC), marking a significant milestone in the countryโs development agenda.
Following months of uncertainty and a program halt announced at the onset of the current regime of U.S. President Donald Trump, Liberia has now been officially proposed for reaffirmation into the MCC Compact program.
This encouraging development comes amid recent announcements by the MCC canceling Compact engagements with several countries. In contrast, Liberia has received formal communication from Ms. Alicia Robinson-Morgan, Managing Director for Africa at the MCC, confirming that Liberia is under active Board Review for potential reaffirmation.
The MCC Board of Directors is expected to convene next week to deliberate Liberiaโs eligibility and possible readmittance into the Compact formulation process.
โThis is a major milestone,โ said Liberiaโs Minister of Finance and Development Planning, Hon. Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan when he addressed the media on Monday in Monrovia. โWeโve received a strong signal from Washington. Ms. Robinson-Morganโs letter informs us that Liberiaโs name has been put forward for reaffirmation, and the MCC Board will be meeting next week to consider our final approval. All indicators are pointing in the right direction.โ
Minister Ngafuan emphasized that this progress is the result of deliberate and strategic diplomacy by President Joseph Nyuma Boakai and his team.
โThe President was not just speaking good English in Washington during the U.S.-Africa Leaders Summitโhe was making impactful moves on multiple fronts,โ the Minister said. โHis recent visit to the United States has clearly played a major role in reigniting this process.โ
If reaffirmed, Liberia would formally re-enter the MCC Compact formulation process, paving the way for a potentially transformative second Compact.
According to Minister Ngafuan, the new Compact could bring in funding exceeding US$500 million, or slightly less depending on the outcome of final negotiations. The Compact would support critical national development priorities including infrastructure, economic growth, governance reforms, and education, building upon the successes of Liberiaโs first Compact, which improved access to electricity and enhanced road maintenance systems.
โThis is where we are today,โ Minister Ngafuan added. โWeโve moved from pause to play. The MCC Boardโs proposed reaffirmation is a strong vote of confidence in Liberiaโs direction. While the final decision is still ahead, we are confident, we are on track, and we are ready to deliver for the Liberian people.โ
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