MCC Board Confirms Liberia’s Eligibility for New Development Compact

Monrovia, Liberia: Liberia has once again been validated as eligible for a second Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) Compact, a development widely celebrated as evidence of the country’s strengthened governance, improved financial discipline, and commitment to long-term national growth.

Finance and Development Planning Minister Augustine K. Ngafuan shared the news in a brief post on Facebook, praising President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr. for steering the nation toward stronger institutions and more transparent governance practices.

“Congratulations, President Joseph Nyumah Boakai, for your leadership. Liberia has been re-affirmed for a second MCC Compact. The Lone Star forever!” Ngafuan wrote.

The confirmation positions Liberia to pursue substantial development financing aimed at bolstering infrastructure, expanding energy access, and improving the country’s human development outcomes.

Speaking to the MCC Board via phone on Wednesday, December 10, Minister Ngafuan who led the government’s push for reinstatement described the process as challenging but ultimately rewarding.

“It has been a tough journey, but we remained committed. We worked hard and have delivered for the president and the people of Liberia,” he said.

Ngafuan emphasized that Liberia’s improved performance on the MCC’s 2025 scorecard played a central role. The country passed 12 of the 22 required indicators, surpassing the passing threshold of 11. Most importantly, Liberia met the two most decisive benchmarks: control of corruption and upholding political rights and civil liberties.

“You can meet all the other indicators, but if you don’t pass those two, you’re still considered to have failed,” the minister noted.

Ngafuan pointed out that Liberia’s success is particularly noteworthy given that more than 16 countries, including some pursuing additional compacts, were removed from eligibility due to stricter criteria under the current U.S. administration.

He clarified that although Liberia had been deemed eligible for a second compact last year, the shift in Washington required all candidate nations to undergo a new review process.

“Tomorrow the board will make the official decision to reaffirm Liberia’s eligibility,” he said ahead of the announcement.

The MCC, a U.S. foreign assistance agency, awards compacts to countries demonstrating clear commitments to democratic principles, economic freedom, and investment in their citizens. Liberia’s reconfirmed eligibility signals that the country continues to meet those standards, following the successful execution of its first compact, which supported sectors such as road construction, energy expansion, and agriculture.

Analysts describe the reaffirmation as a strong diplomatic endorsement of Liberia’s progress in maintaining macroeconomic stability, promoting transparent public financial management, and implementing reforms required by international partners.

Under President Boakai, the government has placed governance reforms at the center of its development agenda tightening fiscal controls, strengthening accountability systems, and improving the business climate to attract investors. The MCC decision is widely viewed as validation of these efforts.

“This is more than a procedural milestone it represents a renewed chance for Liberia to leverage global support for development projects that can improve lives across the country,” said a senior government official who requested anonymity.

Liberia Positioned to Negotiate New Funding for Key Sectors

With eligibility reconfirmed, Liberia can now begin negotiating the content and priorities of the second MCC Compact. This agreement could unlock hundreds of millions of dollars in funding for critical development needs, including electricity access, transportation networks, healthcare systems, and education.

The first compact, signed in 2015, delivered significant investments in road and energy infrastructure, helping lay a foundation for long-term economic growth. The second compact is expected to build on these gains and further strengthen national development.

Minister Ngafuan expressed optimism about the next stage, calling on stakeholders to stay aligned with the country’s development goals.

“This is a moment for all Liberians to support our shared development vision. Together, we can ensure that the benefits of the MCC Compact create meaningful improvements in people’s lives,” he said.

The reaffirmation also boosts Liberia’s standing among foreign investors and development partners, signaling continued commitment to transparency, accountability, and economic reform key factors for a stable and attractive investment climate.