Liberia, U.S. MCC Advance Talks on New Development Compact, Electricity Tops Investment Priorities

Ambassador Conteh urges evidence-based investments in power, roads, private-sector growth and institutional reforms as Liberian technical delegation holds consultations in Washington

MONROVIA — Liberia and the United States Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) have advanced consultations on the development of a proposed new compact, with electricity infrastructure, transportation, private-sector investment and institutional reforms emerging as key priorities for the country’s economic transformation.

A high-level Liberian technical delegation, led by Alieu Fuad Nyei, National Coordinator of the country’s Compact Development Team (CDT), is in Washington, D.C., engaging MCC officials on the analytical and strategic framework that will guide the proposed development agreement.

The development was announced in a press release issued Wednesday, November 11, by the Embassy of the Republic of Liberia in Washington, D.C., following a reception hosted by MCC in honor of the visiting delegation.

Liberia’s Ambassador to the United States, Dr. Al-Hassan Conteh, welcomed the delegation during the reception on Tuesday, November 10, emphasizing the need for investments that address the country’s most pressing economic constraints and deliver measurable benefits to citizens.

Conteh said the compact-development process should go beyond producing technical documents and serve as a strategic instrument for accelerating Liberia’s long-term economic transformation.

He stressed that proposed investments must be economically justified, technically feasible, environmentally sustainable and aligned with the country’s national development priorities.

Electricity Identified as Critical Priority

Electricity emerged as the central focus of the Ambassador’s remarks, with Conteh describing reliable, affordable and accessible power as fundamental to Liberia’s economic growth.

He noted that high electricity costs, inadequate generation capacity and limited access to reliable power continue to undermine business competitiveness, discourage investment and increase the cost of doing business.

According to the Ambassador, addressing these constraints is essential to industrial development, agricultural modernization, manufacturing, technological innovation and employment creation.

He encouraged the technical teams to prioritize investments in electricity generation, transmission and distribution, while also examining the financial and operational sustainability of the energy sector.

Conteh further highlighted opportunities for private-sector participation and renewable energy development to expand electricity access, particularly for productive enterprises and underserved communities.

Five Other Areas Identified

Beyond electricity, the Ambassador outlined five complementary areas for consideration in the proposed compact.

These include transportation infrastructure and trade connectivity, particularly improved roads, transport corridors and logistics systems to reduce transaction costs and facilitate agricultural commercialization and regional trade.

He also called for stronger institutional governance and regulatory reforms to improve transparency, accountability and investor confidence.

On private-sector development, Conteh emphasized the need to unlock private capital, support small and medium-sized enterprises, strengthen domestic value chains and create productive employment opportunities.

Human capital development was another priority, with the Ambassador highlighting technical and vocational education, workforce training and practical skills development, particularly for young people and women.

He also stressed the importance of environmental sustainability and social inclusion, urging the integration of climate resilience, environmental safeguards, stakeholder consultations and equitable community participation into proposed investments.

Conteh said all identified priorities should undergo rigorous economic analysis to determine their feasibility and potential contributions to poverty reduction and sustainable economic growth.

Technical Delegation Engages MCC

The Liberian delegation comprises economists, financial and investment specialists, energy professionals, environmental and social development experts, and senior government officials.

Other members include Thomas B. Kanneh, Senior Economist; Molley O. Kiazolu, Director of Finance, Investment and Trade; Kemoh Lumei, Director of Energy; B. Garmondyu Zogar, Environmental and Social Performance Specialist; Tennen B.D. Tehoungue, Social Analysis Specialist; and Antoinette Y. Sendolo, Stakeholder Engagement and Communication Specialist.

The delegation also includes Dele I. Shobayo, Senior Director at the Liberia Electricity Corporation, providing technical support on the energy project, and Samuel Summerville, Assistant Minister at the Ministry of Mines and Energy, supporting discussions on the mining project.

The Embassy said the consultations are intended to establish an evidence-based framework to guide the identification, prioritization and eventual design of potential investments under Liberia’s proposed compact.

Speaking at the reception, Jason Small, MCC Vice President for Compact Development, emphasized the corporation’s commitment to a collaborative, country-led approach that prioritizes sound economic analysis, institutional coordination and sustainable development outcomes.

Sebastian Teclar, President of the Liberian Community Association of the DMV, also welcomed the emerging partnership, highlighting the diaspora’s interest in development initiatives that expand economic opportunities and improve essential infrastructure.

Embassy Highlights Economic Diplomacy

Ambassador Conteh reaffirmed the Embassy’s commitment to strengthening Liberia’s engagement with American development institutions and businesses to advance infrastructure development, energy security, investment promotion and economic diversification.

He referenced the Invest in Liberia Roadshow held in Washington on October 5, 2026, as part of efforts by the Office of the Special Envoy at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Isaac Taggart, to attract American investors and development partners.

The event was attended by Foreign Minister Sara Beysolow Nyanti.

Conteh also acknowledged MCC Country Director for Liberia Carrie Monahan for her continued engagement with the Embassy and her participation in Liberia’s 179th Independence Anniversary celebration in Washington on July 25, 2026.

He expressed appreciation to MCC leadership and staff for hosting the reception and recognized Minister Counselor Yaba Thompson of the Liberian Embassy and MCC Senior Program Officer Molly Johnson for coordinating the gathering.

The Ambassador wished the visiting delegation a productive engagement, expressing optimism that the consultations would establish a strong analytical foundation for the proposed compact.

The Embassy described the compact-development process as an opportunity to deepen Liberia-U.S. economic cooperation and attract investments capable of strengthening national institutions, generating sustainable growth and improving the livelihoods of Liberians.

The proposed compact remains under development, with the ongoing consultations expected to help determine the country’s investment priorities and the framework for potential future projects.