The Evolving Roles of Government and Development Partners in Malawi’s Social Cash Transfer Program (SCTP): Past, Present, and Future
On the 7th of November 2025, the IDCPPA played host to a Malawian delegation led by the Principal Secretary of the Ministry of Gender, Children, Disability and Social welfare Dr Esmie Tamanda, who brought forth valuable insight into what their ministry is working on in relation to cash transfers in Malawi.
The lecture began by examining the roles of government and development partners in Malawi’s Social Cash Transfer Programme (SCTP) from its inception in 2006 to the present, and the emerging directions for the future. The analysis attempted to delve into the details of where Malawi and the Ministry are coming from, what is occurring at present and what they future holds for the Social Cash Transfer Programme in a Phased approach. With Global donor priorities shifting, the Government of Malawi continues to face growing responsibility for policy leadership, coordination and financing under the National Social Support Policy. While on the other hand, development partners are redefining their roles from direct financiers to strategic enablers of supporting digital innovation, resilience and system strengthening. Where the future of the SCTP requires paradigm shifts toward pragmatic and innovative approaches, and concluding that sustaining Malawi’s SCTP requires a balanced partnership that national ownership, resilience, and long-term social inclusion.
This led to a fruitful discussion on possibilities of the ministries future, possible avenues of funding and potential budgeting strategies. We were thrilled and honored to have the delegation and happily welcome them again in future to share updates other areas of focus.
