Washington, D.C., November 27, 2020 - Today, the U.S. Government's Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) and the Government of Togo launched the $35 million MCC Togo Threshold Program aimed at reducing poverty through economic growth for the Togolese people.
The program, which enters into force today, will support the Government of Togo’s efforts to improve citizens’ access to high-quality, affordable information and communications technology (ICT) services by encouraging private sector investment, developing an independent regulatory regime, expanding service to underserved areas, and increasing the use of ICT among women and small businesses.
The Threshold Program will also support the Government of Togo’s efforts to expand access to land through the recognition and protection of legitimate land rights in five pilot areas across the country, and to develop a regulatory framework to implement the proposed new land code. The Threshold Program incorporates stringent accountability mechanisms to ensure that MCC funds are tied to results and are used only for programmatic purposes.
“The MCC Togo Threshold Program places Togo’s citizens at the center of the country’s economic growth strategy by expanding access to the internet and communications technology, especially for underserved populations, women, and youth,” said MCC CEO Sean Cairncross. “We look forward to working with the Government of Togo as it continues to demonstrate strong engagement, progress during program implementation, and ongoing commitment to MCC’s eligibility criteria to benefit the people of Togo.”
MCC’s time-limited grant investments promote economic growth and help people lift themselves out of poverty. The Threshold Program is MCC’s smaller grant program focused on advancing policy and institutional reform that helps partner countries better serve their people. Working with local partners, MCC tackles some of the most pressing challenges that developing countries face.