Ngafuan Says MCC Compact Team Taking Shape, Pitches U.S. Investors on Power, Ports

Published: October 23, 2026

MONROVIA — Liberia has begun assembling the team to develop its proposed Millennium Challenge Corporation compact, Finance and Development Planning Minister Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan said Wednesday, as he pressed the top U.S. diplomat in Monrovia for American investment in electricity, ports, roads, tourism, telecommunications, and financial technology.

Ngafuan credited the U.S. Embassy with helping move the Compact forward after the MCC Board’s decision, speaking during a courtesy visit to his office by Kristin Gilmore, the embassy’s chargé d’affaires.

“We will do our part in the spirit of partnership. The decision of the MCC Board, and the Embassy team’s support and strong partnership, has led to the Compact Development team taking shape, and we have to keep this going,” Ngafuan said.

Gilmore welcomed progress on the compact, including the recruitment of staff to work on it, and praised the government’s domestic revenue efforts, citing the expansion of Liberia’s tax base in 2026. She said that stronger revenue collection and fiscal management are essential to Liberia’s ability to finance its development priorities.

An MCC compact is a multiyear grant from the U.S. agency, and the government sees the proposed agreement as a major source of support for infrastructure and economic growth.

Ngafuan named electricity generation, ports, roads, tourism, telecommunications and financial technology as the sectors offering the greatest opportunities for American investors. He said Liberia’s development goals depend on more private-sector participation and on investment that improves infrastructure and creates jobs.

Gilmore, who first served in Liberia in 2009, said her responsibilities include promoting American business interests and investment. She said she was pleased “to see the economic development of Monrovia and how things are progressing.”

She said public health remains a priority for the embassy.

“My career started here, and my mission is also to ensure sustainable healthcare partnership with Liberia,” Gilmore said.

She also cited Liberia’s role in regional peace and diplomacy, including its seat on the U.N. Security Council, and said Washington wants to work with Liberia on shared diplomatic priorities and regional stability.