For Immediate Release
March 31, 2009
Contact: 202-521-3850
Email: info@mcc.gov
Millennium Challenge Corporation Highlights
Business Opportunities in Africa
Washington, D.C. – The Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC), in partnership with the Business Council for International Understanding (BCIU) and with sponsorship from Development Finance International and Sheladia Associates, today hosted a seminar providing detailed information on upcoming road, transportation, energy, water, irrigation and other infrastructure-related procurement opportunities in Africa on MCC-funded projects.
“The success of poverty reduction projects in all MCC partner countries depends on the private sector’s creativity, experience and expertise to deliver on these procurements”, said Acting MCC CEO Rodney Bent. “This is certainly the case with MCC partner countries in Africa. MCC recognizes Africa’s enormous promise; and working together with the private sector, we can help our partners achieve a more prosperous future for the people the continent,” Mr. Bent added.
The majority of MCC’s poverty-reduction programs, which include MCC-funded large-scale infrastructure projects that are implemented by MCC’s partner countries, are in sub-Saharan Africa. As many of these five-year grants move into the next stages of implementation, MCC forecasts the largest set of procurement opportunities in the agency’s history. These procurements will be offered by the countries themselves and conducted in accordance with MCC’s guidelines and requirements.
The half-day seminar presented firms with up-to-date information on the procurement process that is followed by the implementing entity in each country, including standard bidding documents, payment process and bid system. MCC sector experts offered practical guidance to help firms get started and move ahead successfully with doing business in MCC partner countries throughout Africa.
MCC recognizes that long-term poverty reduction must include a vibrant private sector and welcomes the private sector’s constructive engagement with MCC in Africa and around the world. For more information on MCC procurement opportunities, please visit www.mcc.gov/procurement/index.php.
###
The Millennium Challenge Corporation, a U.S. government agency designed to work with developing countries, is based on the principle that aid is most effective when it reinforces sound political, economic, and social policies that promote poverty reduction through economic growth. For more information about MCC, visit www.mcc.gov.