By Julius Konton
Finance and Development Planning Minister Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan said, Liberia has formally begun the next and most demanding phase of its engagement with the United States Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC).
The latest development, according to Ngafuan, followed U.S. reaffirmation for a second compact.
He made the statement during a high-level meeting with a visiting U.S. delegation in Monrovia.
Ngafuan along with senior officials from the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning (MFDP), representatives of line ministries, and members of the U.S. Embassy joined MCC officials to outline the roadmap for compact development, an ambitious, data-driven process expected to last up to two years.
A hard-won reaffirmation
Ngafuan told the US delegation that Liberia’s return to the MCC Compact development process did not come easily.
He added: “The journey to reaffirmation was marked by intense scrutiny, difficult reforms, and candid engagement with international partners. This was not a smooth or straight road, it required honest conversations, strong partnerships, and sustained efforts to address concerns and demonstrate that Liberia is deserving of a second compact.”
The MCC Board’s reaffirmation places Liberia among a small group of low- and middle-income countries globally deemed eligible to develop a Compact, an achievement that reflects progress in governance, economic reform, and policy performance.
Since its creation by the U.S. Congress in 2004, the MCC has invested more than US$16 billion to over 45 countries, focusing on poverty reduction through economic growth.
Liberia previously benefited from a US$257 million first compact (2016–2021), which targeted energy and road infrastructure, significantly improving electricity access in Monrovia and reducing transportation costs.
Now the real work begins
Ngafun said the reaffirmation marks the beginning, not the end, of a demanding reform and development process.
“Now that we have been reconfirmed, the job truly starts. This is another long road that will require discipline, hard work, and a coordinated government-wide approach to deliver results.”
He assured the visiting MCC team that it intends to accelerate preparations so the Compact development phase progresses efficiently.
Although the development timeline spans up to two years, Ngafuan said its actual duration will depend on Liberia’s pace and institutional readiness.
As part of the immediate next steps, the government has begun recruiting personnel for a new MCC Compact development office.
Vacancy announcements have already been issued, drawing an “overwhelming” response from qualified Liberians.
U.S. Embassy welcomes new beginning
The Chargé d’Affaires of the U.S. Embassy accredited near Monrovia Joseph Zadrozny, thanked the government for the warm reception, describing the visit as “a strong way to begin the new year and the new MCC Compact.”
Zadrozny reaffirmed the Embassy’s commitment to work closely with Liberian institutions as the process advances, citing the longstanding diplomatic and development partnership between the two countries.
Carrie Monahan, the Managing Director for Africa at the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC), commended the Liberian government for its hospitality and praised all ministries involved in the reaffirmation process.