This week, Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) Acting Vice President Jason Small visited Abidjan to mark the successful closeout of the U.S.-Côte d’Ivoire transport and workforce development compact and to sign a new regional energy compact. The visit highlighted the U.S.’ commitment to partnerships that promote shared prosperity, advance American interests, and create opportunities for U.S. businesses. Acting VP Small participated in a ceremony with Ivorian leaders, including Prime Minister Robert Beugré Mambé and Minister of Finance Adama Coulibaly, celebrating the compact’s completion and launching the new regional initiative aimed at strengthening energy networks across West Africa.
Acting VP Small emphasized the compacts’ potential to enhance regional trade and attract U.S. investment. He noted that the $536.7 million Côte d’Ivoire Compact has delivered tangible results, such as modernized roadways reducing transportation costs and technical training centers preparing young Ivorians for skilled employment. The newly signed $300 million regional compact is expected to further drive investment, create jobs, and improve energy efficiency across the region.
Ivorian officials underscored the transformative impact of MCC projects. Chief of Staff Fidèle G. Sarassoro highlighted improvements in Abidjan’s road infrastructure and the access to high-quality technical and vocational training for youth, emphasizing that the benefits are tangible and not merely promises. He also expressed optimism about the new regional energy compact, which aims to accelerate energy interconnection, stimulate economic growth, and enhance regional resilience.
The completed MCC compact focused on boosting growth and shared prosperity by rehabilitating critical transport infrastructure and strengthening workforce development. Significant investments included improvements to downtown Abidjan’s roadways and intersections, as well as the establishment of 40 schools and three technical and vocational education centers designed to train thousands of students in skills aligned with the needs of industries such as agroindustry.
During his visit, Acting VP Small toured key project sites, including the Koumassi Bypass, a major roadway easing congestion near Abidjan’s port, and a technical training center supporting future workers and entrepreneurs. He highlighted that these initiatives equip students with skills to become employees, entrepreneurs, and potential partners for American companies abroad, demonstrating the long-term benefits of U.S. investments.
MCC’s engagement in Côte d’Ivoire reflects its broader mission of fostering results-driven foreign assistance that supports infrastructure, strategic reforms, and economic modernization. The agency aims to deliver measurable returns that benefit both partner countries and U.S. taxpayers, expand commercial opportunities for American businesses, reduce the influence of competitors, and strengthen global environments aligned with U.S. interests.
Related Posts
