Liberia has once again found itself at a critical crossroads in its development journey. The country was recently named among more than 80 nations under review for potential inclusion in the United States Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) Compact Program for the 2026 fiscal year.
This designation, confirmed in the Candidate Country Report submitted to the U.S. Congress in August 2025, represents a promising step forward but also a solemn reminder of the responsibilities that lie ahead. The MCC Compact is not a handout. It is a rigorous, performance-based partnership authorized by the Millennium Challenge Act of 2003, designed to support countries that demonstrate commitment to reducing poverty, advancing economic growth, and upholding democratic principles. Selection as a candidate country is merely the first stage.
The real test comes with the MCC Board’s evaluation, where Liberia will be judged against stringent policy indicators such as control of corruption, rule of law, fiscal transparency, trade policy, and investment in health and education. Liberia’s previous experience with the MCC Compact should serve as both a foundation and a warning. Between 2015 and 2021, the nation benefited from a $257 million compact that made vital investments in the energy sector, including the rehabilitation of the Mt. Coffee Hydropower Plant and support to the Liberia Electricity Corporation.
These interventions laid important groundwork for electricity access and governance reforms. Yet, challenges in sustainability, management, and corruption risks limited the long-term impact of those achievements. The lesson is clear: Liberia must not simply chase compact dollars it must demonstrate an authentic and verifiable commitment to reform. This moment demands more than celebratory rhetoric. It demands sober reflection and decisive action.
The government has a moral and sacred obligation to align its governance practices with the principles of transparency, accountability, and fiscal discipline. Institutions must be strengthened to ensure that resources whether domestic revenues or international support—are managed prudently and equitably. The culture of impunity, corruption, and political interference must give way to a culture of rule of law, where institutions are respected and policies are implemented consistently.
Liberia’s inclusion as a candidate is not just recognition of progress but also an invitation to prove that the country can rise above its old habits. The international community is watching. The MCC, unlike many traditional aid models, does not reward promises; it rewards measurable results. If Liberia is to transition from candidate status to eligibility, the nation must send a strong signal that reforms are not seasonal slogans but enduring commitments. Furthermore, Liberia must recognize the broader significance of this moment.
The MCC Compact is more than financial assistance it is a gateway to renewed international partnerships. By upholding the standards of the MCC, Liberia can rebuild global confidence, attract private investment, and reinforce its standing as a country serious about sustainable development. As the MCC Board prepares its assessments later this year, Liberia must rise to the occasion.
The opportunity before us is historic, but it is also fragile. We must act with urgency, integrity, and vision. Only then will Liberia transform this candidacy into tangible progress that lifts citizens out of poverty and places the nation firmly on the path of growth and prosperity.
