Minister of Finance, Sosten Gwengwe signed the agreement with the Irish Ambassador to Malawi Seamus O’Grady on Thursday in Lilongwe.

After signing the agreement, Gwengwe described Social Cash Transfer Programme as an investment that will in the long run make a significant contribution towards ending poverty.

He said, “This is very significant and it will continue benefiting the people of Balaka and Ntcheu because we always say that when we look at development, let’s look at inclusive development which leaves no one behind.”

Ireland Ambassador to Malawi, Seamus O’Grady advised the Government to remain committed to implementing such programs as it has the difficult task of growing the economy.

“In the long term for Malawi to end poverty, it has to grow the economy, and priorities are set out in vision MW2063 and also in other policy materials,” said O’Grady.

24,000 ultra-poor households are those that will now benefit from the program, a rise from 8,300 beneficiaries in two districts of Ntcheu and Balaka.

The government introduced the social cash transfer program targeting ultra-poor and labor-constrained households to help them meet their basic needs.