Over the past decade, the Millennium Challenge Corporation has given people and communities in some of the poorest countries around the world a better chance to escape poverty. As the progress captured in this report shows, in our 11th year we have continued to drive economic growth that will make a difference for millions of people.
MCC invests in infrastructure projects that provide clean water, electricity, roads, and other vital services in poor communities that help spur growth and improve quality of life. On a visit to Senegal in August 2015, I had an opportunity to witness this firsthand. Thanks to our work in new irrigation systems and better roads, farmers can grow more crops year-round and drivers can take those crops to new markets. By supporting Senegal’s agricultural sector, MCC’s partnership with the Government of Senegal is strengthening the country’s role as a regional hub for trade and investment.
By working closely with our public and private sector partners, we can scale up our impact and catalyze lasting results. Around the world, we are working with countries to improve governance and enact reforms that will create opportunities for businesses to invest. And in countries like Jordan and Benin, we are deploying innovative public-private partnerships that harness private capital and expertise.
As MCC turns the corner on its first decade, it is clear that our singular focus on economic growth is one of the most effective ways to achieve widespread reductions in poverty. With the ongoing support of the Administration, Congress, our stakeholders, and—most importantly—the American people, we will remain at the forefront of the global effort to lift people out of poverty.