By G. Watson Richards
The Government of Liberia has initiated the concept development phase for its second Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) Compact, placing strong emphasis on improving energy access, reducing electricity costs, and driving nationwide economic growth.
The launch event took place in Monrovia on Friday, May 1, 2026, bringing together technical experts from government institutions, private sector organizations, civil society, and development partners. These stakeholders have been tasked with crafting concept notes that will guide Liberia’s next major MCC-funded program.
Speaking at the ceremony, Finance and Development Planning Minister Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan highlighted the country’s energy challenges as a major obstacle to economic progress and job creation. He stressed that addressing electricity shortages and high costs is central to President Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s development agenda.
“Energy powers the private sector. Without reliable and affordable electricity, economic growth, job creation, and improved living standards will remain out of reach,” Ngafuan stated.
He pointed out that Liberia’s electricity access rate remains low compared to many African nations, adding that the government is committed to expanding access while making power more affordable for both businesses and households.
Ngafuan explained that the decision to prioritize the energy sector under the compact stems from the heavy financial burden electricity places on businesses. Lowering energy costs, he said, would enable businesses to grow and create more employment opportunities.
The minister also commended the transparent and competitive recruitment process used to assemble the Compact Development Team, noting the high level of interest from qualified Liberians. However, he urged the team to remain focused on delivering results within tight timelines.
“This process requires speed and efficiency. We are not walking—we are sprinting,” he emphasized.
Representing the Office of the President, Minister of State for Presidential Affairs Samuel A. Stevquoah described the MCC Compact as more than financial support, calling it a partnership grounded in accountability, discipline, and measurable outcomes.
“This initiative is not just about funding, it is about delivering real, impactful results that will transform lives,” he said.
Stevquoah added that the technical team’s role is to move beyond identifying development challenges to designing practical, scalable solutions that can drive long-term progress.
Meanwhile, Alieu Fuad Nyei, National Coordinator of the Liberia Compact Development Team, explained that the concept note stage is a critical link between earlier analytical work and the eventual design of large-scale investment projects.
He noted that the working group includes representatives from key government agencies, private sector institutions, and civil society organizations, reflecting a broad, inclusive approach under the leadership of President Boakai and oversight from the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning.
According to Nyei, the success of this phase will determine which proposals advance to feasibility studies and eventual implementation.
As Liberia seeks transformative investment through its second MCC Compact, expectations remain high. Many citizens are hopeful that the initiative will lead to improved infrastructure, business growth, job creation, and, most importantly, reliable and affordable electricity across the country.
