The new Irish Ambassador Kate Brad has reiterated her government’s commitment to supporting social protection programmes in the country, saying they have potential to elevate Malawi’s economically marginalised populations.
Speaking at Kamuzu Palace in Lilongwe yesterday after presenting her letters of credence to President Lazarus Chakwera, said her country believes in social protection so much that it has been providing it to its citizens in need.
Brad said many on social protection are able to graduate while those who may not be able to graduate, still contribute to their country’s economic development.
She said: “What we have found is that social cash transfers can be a strong economic driver in local areas where people are receiving social protection.”
Previously, Brad was deputy ambassador and served under Séamus O’Grady.
Secretary to the President and Cabinet Colleen Zamba, who was present, said the Irish Embassy is working alongside other development partners in the country to improve food systems, climate change adaptation and disaster response, among other areas.
She observed that as Brad was already working in the country, she will easily continue from where her predecessor left.
Said Zamba: “The President has said it is going to be easy for the ambassador to pick issues where her predecessor left because she already understands the Malawi landscape.”
Ireland has been contributing towards Malawi’s Social Cash Transfer Programmes through a donor basket fund, focusing on building strong social protection systems in the country.
