Liberia Begins Engagements Toward Second MCC Compact

By Jamesetta D Williams

MONROVIA-Liberia has officially commenced high-level engagements toward the development of a second Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) Compact, following a courtesy visit by a senior delegation from the United States Government to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Friday.

Liberia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, H.E. Sara Beysolow Nyanti, received the delegation led by Ms. Carrie Monahan, Managing Director for Africa at the Millennium Challenge Corporation, marking a critical milestone in Liberia’s renewed partnership with the U.S. development agency.

Welcoming the delegation, Minister Nyanti conveyed warm greetings from President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., and the Government and people of Liberia. She expressed gratitude to the United States Government and the MCC for their continued confidence in Liberia’s reform agenda and development trajectory.

Minister Nyanti said Liberia’s reaffirmed eligibility for a second compact reflects the Boakai Administration’s commitment to good governance, accountability, and inclusive development. She emphasized that strengthening public institutions, promoting economic transformation, and improving the lives of ordinary Liberians remain top priorities of the government.

The Foreign Minister also recalled discussions held in October 2025 with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, during which Liberia formally advocated for a second MCC Compact. According to her, those discussions focused on advancing economic diplomacy and achieving tangible outcomes under the ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development.

Speaking during the meeting, Ms. Monahan highlighted the highly competitive nature of the MCC selection process, noting that Liberia’s past performance under its first compact played a significant role in its renewed eligibility. She commended the country for meeting key policy and performance benchmarks, stressing that sustained reform efforts will be critical as Liberia advances through the compact development process.

Ms. Monahan explained that the delegation’s visit aims to launch detailed technical consultations with government ministries and agencies, civil society organizations, and other national stakeholders. These discussions will focus on identifying binding constraints to economic growth and shaping priority investments for a potential second compact.

She reaffirmed that the MCC model is country-led and data-driven, designed to promote transparency, measurable impact, and long-term sustainability.

During the engagement, both sides underscored the importance of strong inter-ministerial coordination, broad stakeholder participation, and effective public communication throughout the compact development phase.

Liberia successfully completed its first MCC Compact in 2021, which focused on energy infrastructure, road development, and institutional strengthening, laying a foundation for improved service delivery and economic growth.

A second compact is expected to build on these gains while addressing emerging development challenges facing the country.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reaffirmed Liberia’s readiness to work closely with the Millennium Challenge Corporation and all partners to ensure that the compact development process remains inclusive, transparent, and aligned with the aspirations of the Liberian people.

Alphonso Toweh

Has been in the profession for over twenty years. He has worked for many international media outlets  including: West Africa Magazine, Africa Week Magazine, African Observer and  did occasional reporting for CNN, BBC World Service, Sunday Times, NPR, Radio Deutchewells, Radio Netherlands. He is the current correspondent for Reuters 
 He holds first  MA with honors in International  Relations and a  candidate for second master in International Peace studies and Conflict  Resolution from the University of Liberia.