Malawi Social Cash Transfer Programme Receives 18 Vehicles From EU, KfW

Cross section of EU, KfW vehicles 

Cutting the tape

The European Union (EU) and the German government-owned development bank KfW has donated 18 vehicles to Malawi Government to ease transport problems in the Social Cash Transfer programme 

Kaliati

Speaking at handover ceremony on Wednesday, in Lilongwe, Minister of Gender, Children, Disability and Social Welfare said the donation has come at a right time as the ministry was finding challenges in reaching out to remote rural areas.

“We have been having problems in reaching into our 18 districts which are our targeted areas and to travel from one place to another we used to borrow vehicles from other ministries and district councils” said Kaliati

“On behalf of Government and through you Ambassador Marchel Gerrmann, I would like to thank European Union and German Government through KfW for the support of the programme and buying of these 18 vehicles to assist us in implementation of this programme and make sure that our people are reached in this program.”

The Gender Minister then indicated that the continue financial support from European Union and KfW of German towards the programme is bearing fruit as lives of many beneficiaries are being transformed in many ways.

Kaliati said at the moment the programme is now reaching to over 50 percent of the targeted vulnerable utra-poor families and that most of the beneficiaries are beginning to graduate from the initiative.

Through Cash Transfer Programme, she said, utra-poor families are being empowered economicaly because they are now able to do small scale businesses, farming and owning livestock as well as do savings through village banking. She added that through these economic activities such targeted families are now building and living in better houses, becoming food secure, able to provide their children with basic needs and sending them to school a development which has led to an improvement in school enrollment with 40 percent in all pilot districts.

“If we are to bail out our people from extreme poverty, these are programmes that we need to support because they target utra-poor families both men and women.” said Kaliati

Kaliati receiving car keys from
Ambassador Marchel Gerrmann

However, she noted that there are 10 remaining districts that which Government wants to be reached with the programme and she asked EU and KfW and all institutions to help Government to roll out programme in those remaining districts.

“We want to rollout also in districts like Dowa and Chiradzulu where we are experiencing a lot of gender based violence, defilement cases, problems of wills and inheritance. And if we are going to roll out Cash Transfer into these districts we are going to reduce all gender based violence because men and women are going to be busy and also they are going to benefit from programmes that comes along with Social Cash Transfer including adult literacy and nutrition programmes. And this is gong to propel our goal of achieving Sustainable Goals by 2030”

Kaliati also assured EU and KfW that effective measure are already in place to ensure that the donated vehicles are being taken care to achieve results.

On his part, Head of EU Delegation to Malawi Ambassador Marchel Gerrmann said EU is happy to support the programme because it is changing people’s lives and also hinted that the 18 vehicles have been bought at Six Hundred and Fifty Thousand Euro (€ 650, 000) which is just 2% of the total support to the programme.

“The Cash Transfer Programme is a very important programme, it is helping the poorest of the poor of Malawi and am very proud actually that together with development partners we are supporting 700 thousand people who get these Cash Transfers. Out of this, 40% are being supported by European Union and we are working in 8 district and most of them are very large and hard to reach. So the vehicles are important to deliver in the programme.” he said

"I am very proud with the programme because it helps poorest of the poor to send children to school, buying some livestock helping them when they need health services, it helps to save a little bit, so very concrete ways of improving their lives and am very pround as EU that we are supporting this and also we are thankful to the Government and KfW of German organization and other partners implementing this programme.”

Responding to Government request to help in rollout in remaining districts he said "As EU we are currently active in 8 district and we still have two years of this programme to deliver so I think that is what we will do. 

I think we have to be careful that we cannot be active in all districts and I think it is also important that part of this programme is delivered by the Government because if not then actually Government will become completely depending on donors for this and that is not good at the time when we are also thinking on how can Malawi make the next move towards trade and investment agenda and lower its dependency, but nevertheless for the coming two years, we are fully committed  and to support this important programme.”

The Cash Transfer Programme was created to help contribute to national efforts to reduce poverty and hunger among ultra-poor and labor constrained households, increase school enrolment and attendance of children, improve health, nutrition, protection and well-being of vulnerable children. 

The Social Cash Transfer programme was launched as a pilot study in Mchinji district in 2006 and currently is in an additional 16 districts. However government plans to extend the programme to all parts of the country. The programme is funded through help from organisations such as European Union, German Government, Irish Aid, World Bank, UNICEF and the government of Malawi.

Programme support it self by EU is 35 million Euro and the 18 cars are valued at 650, 000 thousand Euro which is about 2% of their contribution.

Global Fund Support To Save Millions Of Malawians-Mutharika

Global Fund gives Malawi US$378 million towards the fight of HIV, Tuberculosis and Malaria.

US$346 million is for HIV and TB while US$32 million is for the fight against malaria. 

After signing Partnership and Acknowledgement of Grants Agreement with the Executive Director of the Global Fund, Mark Dybul, at Kamuzu Palace in Lilongwe, President Peter Mutharika said the support will save millions of lives of people in the country.

There was excitement at Kamuzu palace when Malawi and Global Fund was signing Partnership and Acknowledgement of Grants Agreement 

The US$ 378 million support is the largest allocation that the Global Fund has made anywhere in the world and President Peter Mutharika said the support will save millions of lives of people.

Mutharika said there is need to strengthen tremendous gains made against AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria because there is hope that Malawi can defeat also many other diseases that continue to afflict the country today. 

He said Government is committed to develop innovative ways of locally financing its HIV response and other health programs.

He also said his government has committed to pay US$30 million over a three-year period under the “Willingness to Pay”, towards the National Response to HIV/AIDS, TB and Malaria. 

Minister of Finance, Goodall Gondwe, and Chairperson for Malawi Global Fund Coordinating Committee both assured Global Fund that strong measures are in place to ensure that the grant is used as outlined in the agreement.

The Executive Director of the Global Fund, Dr. Mark Dybul expressed hope that with Malawi will effectively and efficiently used the money because there is clear indication from its leadership in the fight of HIV, Malaria and Tuberculosis globally.

Earlier, making goodwill messages, USA ambassador Virginia Parmer said this grant will help to drastically reduce HIV spread in Malawi and create a free HIV Generation.

While Ambassador Marchel Gerrmann Head of EU Delegation said the new agreement is a valuable contribution to Malawi which is facing at the moment economic problems.

But, UN HIV Director, Michael Sidibe, in a video clip said Malawi s making headways globally in the fight against HIV citing its commitment by adopting the Option B+ and Vision 909090.

In the three year agreement Malawi is expected to receive US$616 million to be divided between ActionAid, World Vision and Ministry of Health.

Malawi Anticipate Booming Mining Sector After Positive Survey Results

The Malawi Government has expressed optimism that the Country-wide High Resolution Airborne Geophysical Data will propel government plans of diversifying the economy.

Data obtained from the survey conducted between September 2013 and August 2014 which involved radiometric and gravity methods has been launched on Thursday in the capital city, Lilongwe.

Results from the survey, shows that there are mineral deposits across the country but Geological Survey Department is yet to interpret and conduct ground follow-up for the whole data set. However interested individuals and companies can still access the data and conduct their own interpretation and ground follow-ups based on their interest.

Hon Bright Msaka 

Speaking when launching the results, Minister of Natural Resources, Energy and Mining, Hon. Bright Msaka, said the results from the survey are impressive enough to greatly improve the mining profile of Malawi.

He said this data is likely going to attract more investors and lead to stimulated mineral exploration.

The Minister then said from such intensive explorations, the country will start earning more revenue from the mining sector and possibly end the overdependence on Agriculture sector.

"Malawi's economy has been agro-based since independence, relying a lot on revenue from major cash crops, in particular tobacco. However, various factors including the global anti-smoking lobby, unpredictable and hostile climatic conditions among others, have heavily affected the agricultural sector and subsequently, the country's agrarian-dependent economy" noted the Minister when speaking on sidelines of heavy dependence of agriculture

To further enhance economic diversification and realize sustainable economic growth, Hon Msaka mentioned that Malawi also will implement number of reforms in the mining sector.

He among others said government will introduce number of initiatives including enactment of mining related Acts.

Ambassador Marchel Gerrmann

In his remarks, European Union Head of Delegation to Malawi, Ambassador Marchel Gerrmann also noted that the new data marks beginning of development of mining sector as well as economic diversification and broadening of the resource base.

But he stressed that Malawi ought to be more transparent and properly manage resources generated from the sector including contracts and licenses to fully realize potential of the mining sector.

On other hand, Ambassador Gerrmann, hailed Malawi's interest to join Extractive Industry Transparency Initiative (EITI) saying this is a right direction geared towards more transparency in mining sector.

On 6th November, 2013, Malawi launched the Country-wide High Resolution Airborne Geophysical Survey at a function held at Kamuzu International Airport in Lilongwe, kicking off a massive search for high value mineral deposits.

The search involved low flying aircrafts hovering over the whole country and the exercise was widely known as 'Kauniuni.

US$ 5.7 Million from World Bank Mining Governance and Growth Support Project (MGGSP) loan (amounting to US$ 25 million) was spent in acquiring the airborne data while, European Union co-financed the Project with a Grant amounting to 4.1 million Euros.

Public Finance Managent Reforms May Return Donor Support to Malawi

The European Union (EU) has given hope that Malawi may secure budgetary support from its bilateral donors if the country successifuly implement Public Sector Management Reforms.

Malawi is rebuilding itself by implementing number of reforms including tightening public finance management having lost budgetary support from bilateral donors following scandal which revealed massive theft of public money by public officers dubbed cashgate.

And when presenting K901.6 billion 2015/2016 budget statement, Finance Minister Goodall Gondwe indicated that donors are not coming back soon and that the budget has been framed with a view that Malawi will use its domestic resources to finance activities. He also mentioned that that some social sectors shall receive additional funding through off-budget.

Head of EU Delegation to Malawi, Ambassador Marchel Gerrmann said donors are eager to support Malawi to achieve its objectives.

"There is still an option of budget support. If the minister is implementing the public finance management reforms then also the next option is available.” Ambassador Gerrmann said, “Often times is important that definitely Malawi will stand on its own feet where it will have to find from domestic resources for its programmes."

But he also noted that in the mean time there is a lot of support coming through off-budget supporting government priorities.

"A lot of it is also mentioned from this budget and I think that is step forward of the minister as compared to previous year. I think that the minister is quite transparent of the support of the donors in the budget and that is appreciative." said His Excellence Gerrmann

He also commended that the financial situation of the government this year will be tight as Minister said that there is not to be much room to maneuver.

"I believed that the minister mentioned a number of important reforms in particular reform of FISP. I think it is very important that this programme is reformed and we are looking forward to that." Said Ambassador Gerrmann, who continued "The other important of reforms is Public Finance Management Reforms. I believe that that implementation of PFMR is crucial to restore confidence in the public finance in the government."

The he assured that development partners will from their end, support government in trying to achieve its objectives.

EU Projects In Malawi Making Positive Impact To Communities

• Five EU Member States Diplomats says are Impressed with Projects in Malawi

• The Ambassadors visited several projects before meeting CSOs, Private Sector and Legislatures 

The European Union (EU) Diplomats says EU is making positive impact to lives of Malawians through its funded projects being implemented in some parts of the country.

Five EU Member States Diplomats were in Malawi to assess its development projects including appreciate political situation and meet government officials, members of parliament, private sector and civil society.

After four day visits to EU projects sites, five senior resident and non-resident EU Member States Ambassadors of Finland, Italy, Spain, Ireland and Belgium have all expressed satisfaction of how EU projects are positively playing a key role in Malawi communities. 

At a press conference in the capital, Lilongwe, Head of EU delegation to the Republic of Malawi, Ambassador Marchel Gerrmann said the visit was very important for member states and ambassadors from five countries whom he described as ‘shareholders of EU’ to see firsthand and share quite a number of good results of EU projects in Malawi.

“They need to be convinced of what we are doing is a right thing, that we are really helping alleviate poverty of Malawians and support the government in doing that” said ambassador Gerrmann

Finland Ambassador to Lusaka, Timo Olkkonen also accredited to Malawi and Zimbabwe says the EU money in Malawi is being channeled for the good use after observing that every project being implemented is bringing positive impact among lives of Malawians.

“What we have seen here is that the EU money in my opinion is targeted to the right sectors and strategically important sectors like agriculture, forestry, human rights and democratic processes” said ambassador Olkkonen whose remark were echoed by Italian ambassador to Lusaka, Pier Mario Darco.

“What we saw on the activities taking place in Malawi, am quite confident also that we are reaching results with that funding. So, at least for me this was a very positive experience and in the sense that the European tax payers money are put in the good use” 

But the Finish Ambassador has pointed out rapid population growth as one critical issue that Malawi has to address a point which Spain Acting Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Komena Tarmori agrees and also mentioned that the government is ready to support Malawi in several investments areas.

On her part, the Irish Ambassador to Malawi, Ms. Aine Hearns said the field visits to the EU projects has been enlightening moment and was happy to note that the annual 500 km rural road rehabilitation projects are economically empowering communities in transportation of their farm produce to markets as well as assisting women to easily access to hospitals since the roads are passable by ambulances.

And the Belgium ambassador to Dar Es Salaam, Koen Adam who also said he is impressed with development projects in Malawi, promised that Belgium is committed to continue assisting Malawi in agriculture.

The delegation has further expressed satisfaction in projects on civic education, Agriculture Sector Wide Approach project which is supporting in food security, rehabilitation of Kanengo grain silo upgrade a project which with EU intervention the ambassadors says there is much more efficient usage of the storage of grain, and on sustainable management of forests.

The delegation also hails Malawi civil society organizations for being active and in good terms with government.

Malawi Public Sector Reforms Remedy To Get Economy Back- EU

A delegation to Malawi of five European Union (EU) Member States Diplomats has promised to support implementation of the Malawi Government reform agenda saying these reforms are a promising path to sustainable economic growth for the country.

The five Senior Diplomats of EU Member States of Finland, Belgium, Italy, Spain and Ireland had on Tuesday met Malawi Vice President Hon Saulos Claus Chilima as they were about to conclude a four day visit to Malawi to appreciate number of projects being Funded by EU. 

EU Head of Delegation to Republic of Malawi, Ambassador Marchel Gerrmann at a press conference on Wednesday in Lilongwe said their encounter with the vice president was fruitful because the EU got an over view of what Malawi government is doing.

He said the issue being pursued by Malawi Government on reforming the Public Sector is the way to go and the EU is ready to help in the implementation.

Malawi government is implementing the Public Sector Reforms in order to improve efficiency and effectiveness in public institutions. 

“With the Vice President we discussed mainly the reform agenda of the government in terms of public sector reform and the public finance management reforms. The vice president gave an overview the current state of affairs.” Said ambassador Gerrmann

“From our side, we have commended the government for launching these reforms and we have also committed ourselves to support government in the implementation because at the end of the day implementation of those reforms is needed to get Malawi back on the path to sustainable growth.”

“We are ready to assist and we are assisting and we are working closely with the Government to do that and it was a positive meeting as well.” He added

On his part the Ambassador Koen Adam of Belgium based in Tanzania also said was impressed with the reforms being championed by Malawi Government but emphasized that the implementation is very crucial.

The Belgium Ambassador further hailed the Malawi National Assembly for its diligence in promotion of constitution and democracy in the country.

EU to Inject €560 Million For Malawi Projects, Plans to Support in Technical Education Skills

The European Union (EU) Delegation to the Republic of Malawi says very soon funds amounting to €560 million (Five hundred and sixty million Euro) is expected to assist in its various projects being implemented in the country in five years time.

EU office in Malawi further announces plans to invest more in education sector particularly on technical skills education as one way of economic empowerment for the youths.

“We will remain closely involved with Malawi” Said EU Head of Delegation to Malawi, Ambassador Marchel Gerrmann in an interview, “For the period of 2015 and 2020 there is amount of €560 million Euro that will be approved over the coming month.”

“And am also very excited that now we will start in the education sector, very important for the future of this country.” He said 

Ambassador Gerrmann continued, “We will invest in the Technical Vocational Educational and Training called TEVET, it is very important that young people in particular are developing skills that they can use in making a living. So am very excited by this prospect of investing more in the future of Malawi by investing in education and technical skills education.”

The EU delegation to Malawi is currently active in agricultural sector, rehabilitation of 500 Km rural roads every year, works with forestry where 11 thousand hectors of forest was set aside for regeneration and 24 thousand hectares are under sustainable management.

In addition, EU is also a largest contributor to Wide Sector Approach in Agriculture and that over last five years it has provided access to safe drinking water to 750 thousand Malawians and plans to double the impact in over the coming two and half years.  

Five EU Member States Diplomats Visits Malawi

A delegation of five European Union (EU) Member States Diplomats visiting Malawi over the weekend to appreciate development projects the organization is implementing in the country.

EU Head of Delegation to the Republic of Malawi, Ambassador Marchel Gerrmann says the four day visit of the incoming mission is significant because it gives an excellent opportunity for them to know Malawi better and report back to their head quarters at the same time assisting people around the world learn more about this country.

“I think this is an important visit. These ambassadors coming together to Malawi is a clear reflection of their interest in this country.” Says Ambassador Gerrmann, “They want to come to get first hand impression of the political and economic situation, they also want to see some of the projects that we are implementing in Malawi and it is also important because these are ambassadors from countries that are contributing to EU projects in Malawi”

He also mentioned that the delegation may also be interested to know more about business opportunities and trade.

The EU Head of Delegation to Malawi also said the incoming mission is not in Malawi for fault finding but will provide help in finding ways of enhancing areas where its projects seem not to work well “We have a very good relationship with the government of Malawi, we also work very closely with the communities, if we see that certain things are not going as they should then we discuss those things and see how we can improve together.”

Ambassador Gerrmann said the visiting ambassadors are among others expected to visit projects being implemented by EU including; Ntchisi forest, Kanengo maize silos for the National Food Reserve Agency currently rehabilitated by EU, Agricultural crops, rural roads, National Initiative for Civic Education NICE on forestry projects and on the respect for the rights of the persons with disabilities projects.

He further said the five senior diplomats are also expected to meet government officials, members of parliament, civil society and private sector. He among others said the visit will include in 

This mission of senior diplomats includes a three non-resident EU member states Ambassadors and two Charge’ d’Affaires of Italy, Finland, Belgium, Spain and Holland.