| WASHINGTON, D.C. - Millennium Challenge Corporation CEO Dana J. Hyde will travel to Senegal this week to celebrate the closeout of the country's five-year, $540 million MCC compact. The compact will officially end on Sept. 23. Hyde will travel to the cities of Dakar and Saint-Louis Friday, Aug. 21 through Monday, Aug. 24. On Aug. 22, Hyde will join Senegal Prime Minister Mohammed Dionne to inaugurate two MCC-funded projects in the northern part of the country, including the RN2 highway and the Delta irrigation works. MCC's compact has invested in irrigation to grow more crops, and in roads farmers can use to take those crops and other goods to market. As a result, Senegal is on track to becoming a regional hub for trade and investment-ultimately driving economic growth and poverty reduction. MCC helped to rebuild the 75-mile RN2 highway - a key link between Senegalese cities and markets in nearby Mauritania and Mali that is helping to stimulate regional trade. MCC also invested in irrigation systems to increase rural incomes and boost the economy of the Senegal River Valley, the country's rice production heartland. During her visit, Hyde will meet with senior Senegalese officials and representatives from the development community, local leaders and civil society. MCC's partnership with Senegal has focused on advancing the country's agricultural productivity and expanding access to markets and services. These investments are expected to increase household incomes for over 1.5 million Senegalese across the country's north and Casamance regions. By linking Senegal's domestic market with international markets, MCC has helped Senegal spur economic growth and create a better future for people across the country. Learn more about MCC's compact with Senegal. For more information on MCC CEO Dana J. Hyde's trip to Senegal, please contact Renee Kelly at press@mcc.gov. |
| ### MCC is an innovative and independent U.S. agency that is working to reduce global poverty through economic growth. Created by the U.S. Congress in January 2004, with strong bipartisan support, MCC provides time-limited grants and assistance to countries that demonstrate a commitment to good governance, investments in people and economic freedom. |