Monrovia, Liberia – September 24, 2025 — The high-level delegation from the U.S. Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC), led by Team Lead Madam Jonnie Mohanan, is in Liberia this week for a technical and strategic engagement with the Liberian government, marking a significant step forward in Liberia’s re-entry into the MCC Compact program.
The MCC team was warmly welcomed by Liberia’s Minister of Finance and Development Planning, Hon. Anthony G. Myers, who underscored the importance of the visit in strengthening the long-standing partnership between Liberia and the United States.
“This visit is more than ceremonial—it is technical and strategic,” Minister Myers said during the official meeting with the MCC team. “We see this as a formal launch of what we believe to be MCC 2.5 for Liberia. Our entire senior management team and key technicians are here because, in the coming months, they will be working closely with your team.”
Minister Myers emphasized that Liberia’s inclusion in the reconsideration of the MCC Compact program speaks volumes about the enduring diplomatic, political, and economic relationship between Liberia and the United States—one that spans over two centuries.
“On behalf of the President of the Republic, we express our gratitude to President Trump and the government of the United States for considering Liberia once again in the MCC program,” Hon. Myers stated. “Even with other nations potentially more advanced economically, this choice reflects the deep and historic ties that bind our two nations.”
He noted that the MCC’s comprehensive approach to development—spanning social, economic, and trade dimensions—aligns with Liberia’s national priorities.
“We appreciate that your team is taking time to thoroughly research Liberia’s development challenges,” the Minister said. “Addressing these challenges holistically—social development, economic productivity, and trade capacity—is crucial to building a workforce that attracts investment and enhances national competitiveness.”
Speaking during the meeting, MCC Team Lead Madam Jonnie Mohanan expressed appreciation for the warm reception and reaffirmed the U.S. government’s commitment to Liberia’s development aspirations.
“Thank you, Mr. Minister, for hosting us and for the warm welcome we received upon arrival,” Madam Mohanan said. “Our early meetings have been insightful, and we are impressed with the level of coordination and commitment from the Liberian side.”
She emphasized that the MCC’s presence in Liberia is aimed at laying the groundwork for a successful new Compact or Threshold Program, based on sound research, stakeholder engagement, and strategic alignment with Liberia’s development goals.
The MCC team’s itinerary includes technical meetings with line ministries, site visits, and consultations with civil society and development partners. According to Minister Myers, this level of engagement is critical for Liberia to remain on track in meeting MCC eligibility indicators and designing programs that yield sustainable impact.
“We are currently at 4.5 indicators on track, and we are thankful for the progress made,” he noted. “This next phase will be crucial in ensuring that Liberia not only qualifies but also maximizes the benefits of the partnership.”
The Liberian government sees this visit as the beginning of a renewed era of collaboration with the MCC, focused on results-driven development and economic transformation.
The MCC is a U.S. foreign assistance agency established in 2004 that provides time-limited grants to developing countries that demonstrate a commitment to good governance, economic freedom, and investing in their citizens. Liberia previously completed a compact focused on infrastructure and governance reforms and is now being reconsidered for renewed engagement.
