Monrovia, Liberia – Finance and Development Planning Minister Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan has urged Liberians to put aside differences and rally behind national development efforts during a visit by a high-level delegation from the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC).
The MCC delegation, headed by Managing Director for Africa Jason Small and Program Officer Ilana Shapiro, is in Liberia to discuss preparations for the country’s second compact with the U.S. government agency. Their agenda includes assessing recruitment processes, reviewing plans for the compact, and establishing a local MCC office.
During a meeting with the delegation, Minister Ngafuan emphasized the need for unity, describing development as a collective responsibility that transcends political and social divides. “We must unite for development. The MCC reminds us that progress benefits everyone, regardless of political or religious affiliations,” Ngafuan stated.
Highlighting the achievements of Liberia’s first MCC Compact, he pointed to increased access to electricity through the Mount Coffee Hydro Dam and enhanced water services managed by the Liberia Water and Sewer Corporation. He described these projects as symbols of inclusive progress that serve all Liberians equally. “The electricity and water provided by these initiatives benefit everyone. No one is asked for a political party ID card to access these services,” he said.

Ngafuan praised the efforts of government officials, both past and present, in strengthening Liberia’s partnership with the MCC. He stressed that development should be an ongoing effort, unbound by election cycles, and called for focus on critical needs such as roads, education, healthcare, and electricity. “Elections may come and go, but the Liberian people deserve to win every year through meaningful progress,” he added.
The minister assured the MCC team and Liberians that the government is actively conducting a constraint analysis to guide the allocation of Compact II funding to areas of greatest need. He reaffirmed Liberia’s commitment to ensuring that the next compact delivers substantial, long-term benefits.
MCC Managing Director Jason Small commended Liberia for its commitment to the partnership and expressed confidence in the progress being made. “We’re here to move things forward because we share the goal of improving lives in Liberia,” Small said. He emphasized the MCC’s dedication to working closely with the Liberian government to develop a transformative compact.
Small also highlighted the collaborative spirit of the process, saying, “We are committed to navigating this journey together and creating a compact that will bring real change to Liberia.”
U.S. Ambassador to Liberia Mark Toner echoed the importance of the MCC partnership, describing the visit as a testament to the enduring ties between the United States and Liberia. He praised the collaborative efforts aimed at advancing Liberia’s development goals. “This is a significant step forward, and we’re pleased to see the MCC delegation engaging directly with the Liberian government,”