Despite recent reports suggesting Liberia is eligible for a compact, the Millennium Challenge Corp. has clarified that no decision will be made before mid-December.
In a news conference, Liberia’s Finance Minister Amara Konneh said the country has met eligibility requirements for an MCC compact. This “positions Liberia for more development funding,” Konneh noted.
But MCC press secretary Gina Jackson explained to Devex that “eligibility for compact assistance is very competitive.” Eligible countries will still need to submit proposals, which will be considered in a board meeting in December.
“Meeting the scorecard requirements does not guarantee selection for compact eligibility,” Jackson stressed. “MCC’s board of directors also takes into account supplemental information on the opportunity to reduce poverty through economic growth, as well as the funds available to MCC.”
Seventy-five countries are vying for an MCC compact for 2013. The board will determine which countries will be eligible for a compact in its board meeting, which is scheduled tentatively on Dec. 19.
If Liberia is deemed eligible and granted compact assistance, it would be the first time the African country will sign such an agreement with MCC. Liberia does, however, have a three-year threshold program with the U.S. agency. The $15 million grant targets improvements in land rights, girls’ primary education and trade policies.
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