Minister Mwanamvekha Launches Sustainable Social Protection Financing Strategy

Minister of Finance, Economic Planning and Decentralisation, Joseph Mwanamvekha on Friday launched the Sustainable Financing Strategy for Social Protection in Malawi calling it a national blueprint to protect the most vulnerable and deliver on Malawi 2063.

Speaking at the launch, the Minister said the strategy marks a decisive shift from fragmented, donor-dependent programs to a coordinated, lifecycle-based approach under the National Social Protection Policy 2024–2029.

“Today marks a significant milestone in our collective effort to strengthen the foundations of social protection and ensure that no Malawian is left behind,” he said.

He acknowledged progress made by government, noting that within the past year Malawi increased its contribution to the Social Cash Transfer Programme and now directly finances 5 districts, up from one.

However, he warned that the broader social protection budget remains predominantly donor-financed. “This dependency is unsustainable and poses an existential threat to millions of Malawians who rely on programs such as SCTP and Public Works,” he said, adding that recent global funding cuts have already reduced coverage.

The Minister stressed that social protection is an investment, not just a cost. “Programs such as SCTP, public works and school meals directly reduce poverty, improve nutrition and keep children in school. In the long term, these interventions enhance productivity, reduce inequality, and contribute to a more stable and prosperous economy.”

He said the new Strategy provides both domestic and external financing options to sustain programs without compromising fiscal discipline. The goal is to move toward systematic, predictable funding that shields social protection from fiscal shocks.

“Implementation will require us to collaborate with all stakeholders including Parliament, civil society and development partners. We must be prepared to move beyond our comfort zones and make difficult choices,” he said.

The Minister thanked the European Union and other partners for supporting the development of the Strategy, assuring them that every kwacha, dollar and euro provided will be used strictly for its intended purpose.

In her remarks , Minister of Gender, Mary Navitcha commended the launch, saying will help enhance social protection.

She said the meeting brought together government and partners to find sustainable ways to continue SCTP as donor support declines. She noted some donors have committed support up to 2030, but beyond that Malawi must find its own solutions.

“Social cash transfer is not just about money. We are also introducing initiatives that help people build resilience. People are able to send children to school and join savings groups. That is development,” she said.

World Bank Country Manager,

Abdul Muwonge,  said macro stability and a broader economic base are key.

He said;

“The first thing is to stabilize the macroeconomic situation. As you heard from the Minister of Finance, government wants to see that the macroeconomics is stabilizing. That is key to enabling sustainable financing,” he said.

He added that expanding the economy through climate-smart agriculture, accelerating renewable energy projects like Mpatamanga Dam, and cutting transport costs will create fiscal space. He also called for protecting nature and food security.