The Millennium Challenge Corporation’s (MCC) Board of Directors discussed the agency’s 20th Anniversary and vision for the future, the recent closure of the Niger Compact and other matters during its quarterly meeting today.
“Since its founding in 2004, MCC has delivered data-driven results for more than 380 million people around the world through nearly $17 billion in investments in 47 countries.” said MCC CEO Alice Albright. “We celebrate our 20th Anniversary this year knowing that our model is validated, our impact is sustained, and despite global challenges threatening development gains and democratic values, MCC will evolve to meet the moment.”
The Board was presented with details about 20th Anniversary agenda and vision designed to celebrate the agency’s impact, thank partner countries and stakeholders for support and collaboration, and reaffirm MCC’s important role in U.S. government. The celebration concludes in May during the U.S.-Africa Business Summit in Dallas with a MCC founders tribute dinner featuring President George W. Bush.
In other business, the Board received updates on the evolution of MCC’s regional programs, MCC’s commitment to country ownership, and the recent closure of the Niger Compact. In response to the Nigerien military’s actions against the democratically elected government, MCC’s Board approved the suspension of MCC assistance to Niger in September 2023. Notwithstanding, the compact resulted in over 2,500 hectares of irrigation infrastructure, 300 kilometers of rehabilitated roads, improved skills and organizational platforms for 10,000 farm families, 100,000 hectares re-greened grazing land, 14 livestock markets constructed, four consecutive years of national livestock vaccination campaigns completed, and fertilizer sector and road maintenance reforms made operational.
The Millennium Challenge Corporation is an independent U.S. government development agency working to reduce global poverty through economic growth. Created in 2004, MCC provides time-limited grants that pair investments in infrastructure with policy and institutional reforms to countries that meet rigorous standards for good governance, fighting corruption and respecting democratic rights.