Malawi Developing and funding social protection systems

    Around one fifth of Malawi’s population lives in extreme poverty. In addition, many people are limited in their capacity to work, as they need to care for relatives who have an impairment, are chronically ill, elderly or very young. The Malawian government developed the Social Cash Transfer Programme to assist these sections of the population. The BMZ is supporting this basic social protection programme together with the EU. The programme provides social benefits to around 125,000 households comprising 550,000 people, ensuring they have enough to live on.

    In the south of Malawi, small sums are paid out to extremely poor people as part of a social cash transfer programme.

    In the south of Malawi, small sums are paid out to extremely poor people as part of a social cash transfer programme.

    Landscape in Central Malawi

    German development cooperation with Malawi

    An expert assessment showed that the programme has reduced poverty in eligible households: families eligible for this assistance eat more regularly, their children attend school for longer and there are fewer early pregnancies. The number of households that own land or livestock has also increased, and the overall economic situation of the families receiving assistance has improved.

    Germany’s involvement in strengthening social protection in Malawi takes a long-term approach. For example, the BMZ is also supporting the Malawian government in drawing up a social register, which will enable eligible households to be identified more quickly and effectively.


    As at: 05/01/2026