With strong bipartisan support, the Bush Administration conceptualized MCC in the early 2000s as a bold experiment to deliver U.S. foreign assistance through cost-effective, evidence-based project approaches.
Over nearly two decades, MCC has invested over $17 billion in infrastructure and policy reforms in health, education, power, agriculture, and transport in 47 countries, benefitting over 300 million individuals worldwide. As the agency celebrates 20 years, we reflect on our achievements in combatting poverty, build on lessons learned, and set a path forward, allowing us to better engage with our partners for years to come.
20 Years of Sustainable Growth
In an interconnected and ever-changing world where complex crises such as armed conflicts, climate change, and inequality extend beyond borders, the United States remains committed to working with partner countries across the globe to meet their Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
MCC works hand in hand with partner countries to deliver high-impact programs and policies to meet the unique needs of a country and its people. Through large, multi-year grants, MCC supports sustainable development and enables necessary investments in infrastructure for the agriculture, energy, transportation, and water sectors that drive economic growth.
With nearly 92% of our entire investment portfolio supporting partner countries in meeting their SDG ambitions, MCC is well positioned to accelerate progress on the 2023 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
The Electricity Transmission Project aims to increase electricity availability and reliability in Nepal's power grid. It will expand and strengthen the high-voltage transmission network, support new hydropower investments, and promote increased power trading between Nepal and India.
Through investment in equipment and infrastructure, the project supports Nigérien farmers like Abou Abdou, Secretary General of the Hadin Kai Women’s Farming Cooperative, to move toward more commercialized irrigated agriculture as the foundation for sustained growth in rural incomes.
This new community health clinic in Samaria, Lesotho is one of 138 health centers rehabilitated or built under MCC’s Lesotho Compact, which strengthened the health care system and its ability to deliver quality services.
Pronacom
The Education Project in MCC's Guatemala Threshold Program aimed to improve the quality and relevance of secondary education and help teachers like Bayron Isaac Monzón Bautista to prepare Guatemalan youth to succeed in the labor market.
Millennium Foundation Kosovo
MCC’s investments bolstered private-sector participation in the power sector, and created opportunities for women like Diba Celina, a fashion designer, to participate in the energy sector through both employment and entrepreneurship.
In the Mtendere township of Lusaka, Zambia, MCC constructed 8,637 new water connections, expanded access and consistent water supply.
Andrew Ladson, MCC
The Benin Power Compact funded infrastructure investments in electricity distribution and off-grid electrification for poor and unserved households, including Towada Primary School students, who receive solar-rechargeable LED lights to help them continue their study in the evenings.
MCC’s partnership in Honduras enhanced the business skills, productivity, market access, and risk management practices of small and medium-sized horticultural farmers.
Jake Lyell for MCC
The Transport Sector Project improved Tanzania's road network, lowered transport costs, and enabled access to social services. The project also enhanced domestic linkages with neighboring Kenya and Zambia and upgraded the Mafia Island Airport for safer access.
In regions outside the capital of Tbilisi, Georgia, MCC rehabilitated key regional infrastructure to improve transportation for regional trade.
Jake Lyell for MCC
The MCC-Jordan partnership transformed the nation’s water infrastructure. The As-Samra plant now treats 70% of Jordan's wastewater, generates 78% of its energy from renewable sources and now has modern, eco-friendly sludge management practices.
Jake Lyell for MCC
As part of the MCC-Indonesia partnership, junior electrical technicians Karmila and Verawati inspect and maintain solar panels on Karampuang Island, Indonesia. This partnership focused on expanding renewable energy, reducing land-based greenhouse gas emissions, and responsibly managing natural resources.
MCA-Philippines
The MCC-funded road on Samar Island in the Philippines reduced transportation costs and provided additional economic opportunities to rural residents. Built to a high standard, the road withstood one of the strongest typhoons in history.
Jake Lyell for MCC
The Morocco Compact modernized the country’s fishing sector, constructing 11 fish landing sites and port facilities, three marine reserves, five fish markets, and trained 933 mobile fish vendors.
MCC funded improvements in Namibia's tourism infrastructure, management, and marketing while preserving natural resources that attract sustainable tourism.
MCC funded training programs focused on enhancing worker skills in cooking, tailoring, and electric installation. The project worked with key government and private sector institutions to improve education in El Salvador, aligning the skills of the workforce with the demands of the global economy.
Jake Lyell for MCC
MCC’s Mozambique Compact will build climate-resilient roads and networks to improve transport infrastructure, to connecting rural communities to better access district capitals, markets, and social services. The Nampula-Rio Ligonha Road in Northern Mozambique, is currently under construction.
Ford Foundation Center for Social Justice, New York
Monday, September 18, 6:00 pm–8:00 pm
The United States remains committed to fully implementing the 2030 Agenda and all 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to create a more sustainable and prosperous world. For nearly two decades, the Millennium Challenge Corporation’s (MCC) high-impact investments have supported countries in delivering on their SDG ambitions.
Cohosted by the United Nations Foundation, join us for an action-oriented reception as we delve into the crucial role of country-led partnerships in achieving the UN Global Goals. This event aims to inspire and mobilize diverse stakeholders to collaborate, innovate, and drive results that contribute to a more equitable future for all.
This special edition of Milestones delves into the agency's 20-year impact in driving results that have supported countries in advancing their Sustainable Development Goals and creating a more equitable future for all.
Connect With Us
Are you an MCC alum interested in the agency’s 20th Anniversary? Please email us at 20thanniversary@mcc.gov.
Follow our official social media handles to ensure you stay up-to-date with MCC’s 20th-anniversary campaign.
