MCC’s contributions during Fiscal Year 2015 continued to advance effective and innovative development practices and partnerships.
Creating a Sustainable Future
When the international community came together in September 2015 during the United Nations General Assembly to adopt the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) that build on the expiring Millennium Development Goals, it represented the culmination of years of collaborative input from countries and organizations around the world, including MCC. The SDGs largely reflect many of the core elements of MCC’s model—they incorporate a focus on inclusive economic growth and effective, accountable institutions as key elements to sustain and accelerate development progress. MCC’s emphasis on catalyzing economic growth, evidence-based decision-making and transparency help to drive international efforts to achieve the 17 interconnected Global Goals. The goals set new, ambitious objectives to end poverty and improve lives globally.
Catalyzing Community-Driven Development
Country ownership is at the heart of MCC’s model, and its country partners design and implement their programs and are held accountable for results. MCC champions community-led development, where program ownership and accountability are concentrated at the local level. For example, through the Philippines Compact, MCC has committed $132 million to scale up the government’s community-driven development project, Kalahi-CIDSS. The project funds infrastructure and services such as water systems, clinics, and schools in poor, rural communities that are community-selected and managed. In Fiscal Year 2015, 2,380 sub-projects were completed, and the effort is expected to benefit more than 5 million people.
Opening a Gateway to Opportunity for U.S. Businesses
MCC places strong emphasis on engaging the private sector as part of its continuing commitment to create a sustainable investment climate in partner countries and open up opportunities for U.S. businesses. In April 2015, MCC and the U.S. Department of Commerce led 10 U.S. companies on a joint trade and investment mission to Tanzania and Malawi, introducing company representatives to business opportunities in the energy sector. The mission was designed to promote U.S. exports and promote an expanded presence for U.S. businesses in Africa. The mission also supported the U.S. Government’s Power Africa effort designed to double access to electricity in sub-Saharan Africa.
In the U.S., MCC engaged local business communities and civil society leaders in Chicago and Atlanta to discuss the agency’s investments around the globe. The domestic road show opened a gateway to opportunity for businesses who hadn’t previously worked with MCC.
Unlocking Private Sector Resources
MCC’s determination to remain at the forefront of catalytic development by mobilizing private-sector investment was evidenced by the launch of the Public Private Partnership (P3) Platform in Fiscal Year 2015, which included a commitment of $70 million in MCC grants—including $52 million in Africa—to support public-private partnerships in MCC partner countries. The commitment is expected to generate $1 billion in private-sector investments over the next five years. The launch of the P3 Platform recognizes that official development assistance must increasingly catalyze other resources to finance development.
Bringing Voices to the Table
As a learning institution, MCC welcomes input and feedback from others who work with its partner countries to reduce poverty through economic growth. Since its creation in 2004, MCC has reserved a seat at the table for members of civil society during compact selection, development, and implementation. A roundtable consultation prior to the signing of MCC’s Benin Power Compact was the start of a new effort to bring external stakeholders to the table earlier in the process of compact development, and to explore ways to include external expertise and viewpoints into various phases of the compact lifecycle. By listening to the voices and experience of stakeholders and experts in academia, civil society organizations, and the private sector, MCC strengthens its position as a leader in international development and catalyzes inclusive growth.