–To Assess Readiness for Second Compact
By Konah Rufus
Finance and Development Planning Minister Augustine Ngafuan says a delegation from the U.S. Government’s Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) will visit Liberia on September 22, 2025. The mission is intended to assess the country’s readiness to qualify for a second MCC Compact.
Minister Ngafuan said recently that the visit comes just months before the MCC board of directors meets in December 2025 to decide Liberia’s continued eligibility. He emphasized that the outcome of this engagement will play a key role in determining whether Liberia secures fresh U.S. development assistance.
The Finance Minister noted that this latest step is crucial to reviving Liberia’s Compact journey, which experienced a pause due to political transitions in the United States and shifts in U.S. foreign policy priorities.
According to him, Liberia’s eligibility for a second Compact remains under active review. He added that recent discussions with American policymakers have renewed interest in supporting Liberia’s economic and social development agenda.
During their stay, the MCC delegation—composed largely of economists—will meet with stakeholders from across the Liberian society. These include senior government officials, private sector actors, civil society organizations, and representatives of the media.
The team is expected to conduct a “Constraints Analysis,” a process designed to identify the most pressing barriers to sustainable and inclusive economic growth in Liberia. The findings will guide which sectors may be prioritized for MCC investment.
Minister Ngafuan highlighted that this engagement signals renewed optimism, not only for government but also for citizens who stand to benefit from improved infrastructure, jobs, and public services if Liberia secures a second Compact.
He pointed out that Liberia’s first MCC Compact, which concluded in 2021, funded major infrastructure projects including the rehabilitation of the Mount Coffee Hydropower Plant and improvements to electricity and road systems. The second Compact, if approved, would aim to build on those achievements.
Ngafuan urged all Liberian stakeholders to engage constructively with the MCC mission, stressing that broad national ownership is key to convincing the U.S. partners of Liberia’s readiness.
The Minister concluded by expressing optimism that Liberia will present a strong case for Compact approval, describing the mission as “a decisive opportunity to align international support with Liberia’s development priorities.”
