MCC Marks Successful Completion of MCC Côte d’Ivoire Compact, Strengthens Bilateral Ties

ABIDJAN, COTE D'IVOIRE-This week, Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) Acting Vice President Jason Small traveled to Abidjan to commemorate two milestones in the U.S.-Côte d'Ivoire partnership: the successful closeout of the transport and workforce development compact and the signing of a new regional energy compact. Together, this visit underscores the U.S.' commitment to high-impact partnerships that advance American interests, create opportunities for U.S. businesses, and promote shared prosperity.

Acting VP Small joined Prime Minister Robert Beugré Mambé, Chief of Staff to the President Fidèle G. Sarassoro, Minister of Finance and Economy Adama Coulibaly, and senior Ivorian officials for a ceremony celebrating the compact's completion and launching a new regional compact to strengthen energy networks across West Africa.

Acting VP Small noted both projects' potential to boost regional trade and support U.S. companies looking to invest in West Africa. "This is both a celebration of what we've accomplished and a moment to look forward," said Acting VP Small. "I am deeply impressed by what we've achieved together - from modern roadways that reduce the cost of moving goods and people to technical training centers that will prepare young Ivoirians for skilled jobs. The $536.7 million Côte d'Ivoire Compact is a model of how U.S. government investments can deliver results that serve both our nations. The $300 million regional compact will build on this foundation by unlocking a more efficient energy sector that drives investment, creates jobs, and strengthens regional trade."

Chief of Staff Sarassoro welcomed the visit as a symbol of the strong and evolving partnership between Côte d'Ivoire and the United States, saying, "Thanks to MCC investments, Abidjan has more modern road infrastructure that opens up neighborhoods and improves access to the port. Young Ivorians are gaining access to high-quality training that prepares them for promising careers. These outcomes are not empty promises; they are tangible results."

"As one chapter closes today," Mr. Sarassoro continued, "we have the privilege of opening another with the regional energy compact, a significant opportunity to accelerate energy interconnection, stimulate growth, and strengthen the resilience of our economies."

The MCC compact that concluded in August 2025 was designed to increase growth and shared prosperity by rehabilitating critical transport infrastructure and strengthening workforce development and technical training systems. With improved critical roadways and intersections in downtown Abidjan and 40 schools and three state-of-the-art technical and vocational education and training centers poised to enroll thousands of students, the compact represents one of the most significant U.S. investments in the region in recent years.

During his visit, Acting VP Small visited key project sites funded under the completed compact, including the Koumassi Bypass, a major new roadway easing congestion in Abidjan's port zone. Acting VP Small also toured a technical and vocational education and training center supported under the compact that will train workers for agroindustry, noting: "These future students will not just be learning skills-they will be building futures as employees, entrepreneurs, and potential partners for American companies abroad."

Mr. Small's visit reaffirms the United States' commitment to results-driven partnerships that enable trade, investment, and long-term cooperation.

"This compact program proves what's possible when we align our shared values with strategic priorities," he said. "American engagement abroad should reflect American strength - by delivering lasting results for our partners and the American people."

The Millennium Challenge Corporation is an independent U.S. government agency focused on advancing America's economic and strategic interests through results-driven foreign assistance. MCC's investments support large-scale infrastructure, strategic reforms, and economic modernization that deliver measurable returns. Countries and U.S. taxpayers mutually benefit from expanded commercial opportunities for U.S. businesses, reduced influence of competitors, and reinforced global environments aligned with the United States.