Washington: The Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) has applauded Sierra Leone's tangible strides toward launching its Compact program, signaling deepening trust in the nation's governance trajectory.
According to Sierra Leone News Agency, the recognition unfolded during a high-level engagement in Washington, where MCC Acting Managing Director for Compact Operations, Madam Carrie Monahan, hailed the formal establishment of the Millennium Challenge Authority Sierra Leone (MCA-SL) and ongoing negotiations surrounding critical mineral frameworks. She urged Freetown to finalize outstanding fiscal and administrative prerequisites, clearing the path for the 'Entry into Force' agreement-the last threshold preceding comprehensive rollout.
Sierra Leone's Minister of Finance, Sheku Ahmed Fantamadi Bangura, reaffirmed President Julius Maada Bio's unwavering dedication to the partnership, spotlighting transformative reforms to fortify the energy sector and elevate the investment climate. He confirmed the government is creating a dedicated collection account while liberalizing electricity distribution for private participation-a move designed to sharpen efficiency and fiscal durability. Additionally, Cabinet has greenlit Sierra Leone's membership in the Africa Trade and Investment Development Insurance (ATIDI), a strategic shield to curb risks and channel foreign direct investment.
Meanwhile, MCC Director of Policy and Evaluation, Madam Naureen Haque, praised Sierra Leone's consistency on the MCC scorecard, urging sustained momentum in economic liberty, electoral restructuring, and national cohesion. In turn, Minister Bangura pledged relentless stakeholder engagement to actualize the national unity accord and electoral reform recommendations.
The assembly hailed Sierra Leone as an MCC 'success story,' with both sides vowing intensified collaboration. The Minister was joined by a high-level delegation: Energy Minister Cyril Grant; Ambassador to the U.S. Amara Sowa; Financial Secretary Matthew Dingie; Central Bank Governor Dr. Ibrahim Stevens; Chief Economist Alimamy Bangura; and Technical Adviser Dr. Franklin Sisabu Bendu.