CDM Undertakes Millennium Challenge Account Assessments in Ghana and Mali

June 08, 2006

WASHINGTON, D.C.—CDM has completed a fast-track assessment in Ghana for the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC), the new U.S. government-based funding organization that aims to reduce poverty through economic growth. Operating under the Millennium Challenge Account, MCC awarded the contract to CDM on March 31st, and the expedited assignment was completed 2-1/2 months later. A similar project in Mali, this time conducting a pre-feasibility study that evaluates the technical, environmental, economic, and institutional aspects of proposed investments in irrigated agriculture, is underway.

In Ghana, CDM provided MCC and the U.S. Congress with the detailed information needed to evaluate the suitability of community services investments in three sectors: water and sanitation, education, and rural electrification. Objectives were to evaluate whether the proposed MCC-funded projects were feasible and would provide significant social and economic value, and to provide input to MCC in preparation of its "investment memo" for further funding decisions. At stake for the overall compact with Ghana is $500 million in aid-the largest compact of the multi-billion-dollar MCC-to reduce poverty, strengthen the economy, transform social infrastructure, and improve life for Ghana's 22 million people.

Operating within a strong local partnership approach, CDM led a 30-member multidisciplinary team composed of international and Ghanaian specialists who share MCC's commitment to a collaborative, transparent approach, and quality project delivery within an extremely compressed timeframe.

Similarly, CDM is the lead firm on a diverse, 40-member team in Mali that includes experts in irrigation, roads, agriculture, fish farming, environmental issues, and social concerns. CDM is responsible for overall management, coordination, budget monitoring, and quality assurance. The assessment will be complete in October.

"The MCC represents a highly criteria and performance-based model for development aid, which is distinctly different from historical development approaches," explains Peter Macy, CDM associate. "MCC strives to be smart, creative, and cutting edge, so it's been an honor to work on these dynamic assignments."

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Release Number: 390-06