Posted: Thursday, August 21, 2025. 2:32 am CST.
By Breaking Belize News Staff: Belize’s efforts to secure the return of the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) grant have paid off, with officials confirming that the multi-million-dollar compact is back on track.
The MCC is a U.S. foreign aid agency that provides large-scale grants to countries that demonstrate good governance, economic freedom, and investments in people. Belize first qualified for the MCC compact in 2021, unlocking access to development funding for sectors such as education, energy, and governance.
That funding, initially set at US $125 million (about BZ $250 million), was left in limbo during the Trump administration. The MCC itself came under threat after U.S. officials moved to scale back foreign aid, leaving Belize’s compact uncertain despite the fact that the grant agreement had been signed in September 2024 by Prime Minister John Briceño and MCC CEO Alice Albright.
At the time, the program was hailed as a transformative investment aimed at reducing poverty, expanding access to education, and lowering electricity costs through modernized energy infrastructure. However, with the MCC slated for possible closure, its future hung in the balance.
Foreign Minister Francis Fonseca now confirms that those fears have been laid to rest. The grant has been restored, though the exact value of the compact remains under discussion.
“The good news is, yes, that the MCC compact will continue,” Fonseca said. “The technical teams here in Belize and in Washington are working together to determine what adjustments may be needed. We don’t expect major modifications, but those discussions are still ongoing.”
Fonseca emphasized that the compact will remain focused on improving education and energy, two areas viewed as critical to Belize’s long-term development.
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The post US $125 million MCC grant back on track for Belize appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
Posted: Thursday, August 21, 2025. 2:32 am CST. By Breaking Belize News Staff: Belize’s efforts to secure the return of the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) grant
The post US $125 million MCC grant back on track for Belize appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.