By Burnett Munthali
Malawi is implementing programmes aimed at strengthening social protection and promoting inclusive growth, with emphasis on the most vulnerable, Deputy Minister of Gender, Children, Disability and Social Welfare, Martha Mzomera Ngwira, has said.
The Deputy Minister made the remarks in New York, United States of America, during the 64th Session of the Commission for Social Development, a high-level gathering focused on advancing social development and social justice.
Mzomera Ngwira highlighted Malawi’s commitment to reducing extreme poverty and improving access to basic services, citing the adoption of the National Social Protection Policy (2024–2029) as a key milestone.
The policy is being implemented through initiatives such as the Social Support for Resilient Livelihoods Project (SSRLP) and the Malawi Social Cash Transfer Programme, which aim to provide a safety net for the most vulnerable members of society.
The Deputy Minister emphasized the importance of addressing youth and women unemployment, citing labour reforms and the upgrading of vocational and technical education systems as crucial steps towards supporting lifelong learning.
Malawi is also supporting persons with disabilities through targeted policies and funding mechanisms, Mzomera Ngwira said, highlighting the government’s commitment to promoting inclusive growth.
Despite these efforts, sustainability remains a challenge, and the Deputy Minister called for strengthened domestic financing and partnerships to support Malawi’s social protection programmes.
Mzomera Ngwira emphasized the need for continued bilateral and multilateral support to help Malawi achieve its development goals, particularly in the context of the country’s limited resources.
The 64th Session of the Commission for Social Development is being held under the theme “Advancing Social Development and Social Justice through Coordinated, Equitable and Inclusive Policies,” reflecting the global commitment to promoting social justice and reducing inequality.
The session provides a platform for countries to share experiences and best practices in advancing social development, and Malawi’s participation is seen as an opportunity to learn from other countries and showcase its own efforts.
Mzomera Ngwira’s remarks underscore Malawi’s commitment to promoting inclusive growth and reducing poverty, and highlight the challenges that the country faces in achieving these goals.
The Deputy Minister’s call for continued international support reflects the importance of global partnerships in addressing the challenges of social development, particularly in countries like Malawi that face significant resource constraints.
As the world grapples with the challenges of inequality and social injustice, Malawi’s efforts to promote inclusive growth and social protection are an important contribution to the global conversation on social development.
