By: Trokon Wrepue – trokon1992seokin@gmail.com
Monrovia – Liberia remains “firmly on track” to secure a second Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) Compact, Finance and Development Planning Minister Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan said Wednesday, as the MCC Board meets to review the country’s eligibility.
Addressing reporters in Monrovia, Minister Ngafuan highlighted Liberia’s continuous engagement with MCC officials, noting that the government has maintained momentum since the compact was initially approved last year under former U.S. President Joe Biden.
The approval was temporarily placed under review following the U.S. election, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio and the MCC Board reassessing pending commitments.
“The government has worked diligently to ensure Liberia remains on course,” Hon. Ngafuan said. He added that a dedicated MCC office has been established at the Ministry of Finance, complete with a national coordinator and additional staff, and that multiple meetings have been held with MCC representatives in both Liberia and Washington.
A two-week MCC mission led by Ms. Carrie Moynihan visited Monrovia in September to consult with sector leaders and review national priorities. Liberia also engaged the MCC delegation during the U.S. diaspora conference, according to the Minister.
Minister Ngafuan pointed to Liberia’s strong performance on the 2025 MCC scorecard, passing 12 of 22 indicators and exceeding the minimum requirement of 11.
Crucially, the country met the two “hard hurdles” of control of corruption and political rights and civil liberties—requirements that many other countries failed to meet under the stricter standards of the new U.S. administration.
“Many countries were dropped, but Liberia remains in,” he said. “We are confident and hopeful that our eligibility will be reaffirmed.”
If confirmed, Liberia’s second MCC Compact will enter a detailed phase of project identification, funding allocation, and compact design.
The government’s priorities are aligned with the MCC’s Constraints to Growth Analysis, with a focus on energy generation and distribution, rural road infrastructure, access to finance, and reforms in business, governance, and education.
“Energy and infrastructure are critical because they drive job creation and economic growth,” Minister Ngafuan emphasized, noting that the 2025 national budget reflects these priorities.
The MCC Board’s decision today will determine the next steps for Liberia, potentially marking a significant milestone in the country’s development agenda.
