WASHINGTON, D.C., October 5, 2017 – The U.S. Government’s Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with The Coca-Cola Africa Foundation (TCCAF) to further leverage resources and expertise to support sustainable economic impact in MCC partner countries in Africa. MCC Acting CEO Jonathan Nash and President of The Coca-Cola Africa Foundation Dr. Susan Mboya signed the agreement at a ceremony in Washington, D.C.
The new agreement will allow MCC and The Coca-Cola Africa Foundation to collaborate on programs that provide access to safe water, sanitation and hygiene; support opportunities to empower women and youth; and strengthen health systems. The partners will develop investments to directly address local community needs, harnessing MCC’s deep experience in policy and program development and The Coca-Cola Africa Foundation’s capabilities in advancing community programs and leveraging its pan-African distribution network.
“Through this MOU, we look forward to building on our strong partnership with The Coca-Cola Africa Foundation,” MCC Acting CEO Jonathan Nash said. “By leveraging the resources of both organizations, this partnership will multiply our ability to transform lives around the world and spur sustainable economic growth.”
Also today, TCCAF announced new funding to support MCC’s Zambia Compact, which includes investments in water supply, sanitation and drainage infrastructure in Lusaka, the country’s rapidly urbanizing capital, to reduce poverty and drive economic growth. The funds will support an innovative pilot project that is delivering safe water to the people of Zambia through a public-private partnership between the local utility, the Lusaka Water and Sanitation Company, and private firm MECB Consulting Ltd. MECB is a grantee of the Innovation Grants Program for innovative water, sanitation, and waste management service delivery models to peri-urban communities under MCC’s Zambia Compact.
“We firmly believe in the great power of public-private partnerships and are honored to begin a new chapter working with MCC on these vital community water and economic empowerment initiatives,” said Dr. Susan Mboya, president of The Coca-Cola Africa Foundation. “Our two organizations will combine capabilities to help create greater economic opportunity and strength in African communities, working to break the stubborn cycles of poverty and disease that stand in the way of development and progress.”
Since 2013, MCC and TCCAF have collaborated on projects that include MCC’s Cabo Verde Compact. As part of the Foundation’s flagship Replenish Africa Initiative (RAIN), TCCAF invested alongside MCC to improve water access for more than 22,000 people by developing a Social Access Fund. In 2015, U.S. Ambassador to Cabo Verde Donald L. Heflin visited one of the many people who benefitted from MCC’s partnership with TCCAF, Maria José, and heard firsthand how these investments in water and sanitation are improving lives. Read the Ambassador’s blog on MCC’s website.
“I have seen, and tasted firsthand, the results of the good work that both the Millennium Challenge Corporation and The Coca-Cola Africa Foundation do in Africa,” U.S. Senator Johnny Isakson said. “I’m glad to be a witness to an extended and greater partnership between these two outstanding organizations. The Millennium Challenge Corporation has strengthened accountability and enhanced economic growth through these types of partnerships. I commend both the Millennium Challenge Corporation and The Coca-Cola Africa Foundation for their continued commitment to Africa and to our own national security.”
Investments by MCC have leveraged more than $6 billion in additional investments and commitments from the private sector and other development partners. MCC’s time-limited grant investments are designed to promote growth and private investment, creating more stable, secure countries with new business opportunities.
Funded through Coca-Cola, TCCAF implements community development programs throughout Africa focused primarily in water, health systems strengthening and empowerment. By providing assistance in the most critical areas of need, TCCAF strives to improve quality of life and expand opportunities for communities in Africa.
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About the Millennium Challenge CorporationThe Millennium Challenge Corporation is an independent U.S. Government agency working to reduce global poverty through economic growth. Created in 2004, MCC provides time-limited grants and assistance to poor countries that meet rigorous standards for good governance, from fighting corruption to respecting democratic rights. Learn more about MCC at www.mcc.gov and www.mcc.gov/work-with-us.
About The Coca-Cola Africa Foundation
The Coca-Cola Africa Foundation (TCCAF) is an entity funded through Coca-Cola that implements community development programs throughout Africa. TCCAF has committed resources and is collaborating with partners to provide communities with improved access to safe drinking water and sanitation through the Replenish Africa Initiative (RAIN), to contribute to strengthening Africa’s health systems through Project Last Mile, and to create opportunities for youth empowerment through the Youth Empowered for Success (YES!) program. The Foundation’s community activities focus on three key areas central to life in Africa: water, health systems strengthening and empowerment. By providing assistance in the most critical areas of need, TCCAF strives to improve the quality of life for communities in Africa and expand the opportunities for those who live there. Additionally, The Coca-Cola Africa Foundation is involved in humanitarian assistance in Africa, for disaster relief and emergency assistance. For more information, contact Dorcas Onyango (doronyango@coca-cola.com).