Country director Yousaf Jogezai says the success of the project has made them consider extending it to other districts.

Jogezai says, "The targeted population has been capacitated and the households which we have supported graduated from the program. They have seen the significance as there is improvement in their livelihoods and they are able to support their families."

Ministry of Finance chief economist Bessie Msusa says the five-year project has registered remarkable success that has helped Malawians in the targeted districts to graduate from poverty.

Msusa, who was speaking at a graduation impact meeting in Lilongwe, said the program has helped to sustain many livelihoods.

Msusa says, “The beneficiaries will be able to sustain their livelihoods, amongst the many issues tackled today, we are also talking about the issue about targeting, asset transfer and capacity building of our beneficiaries.”

In the four-year project, Concern Worldwide has been providing funding for business capital, skills training and coaching and support on savings and financial access to some 8000 households.

Of the 8000, some 2000 households have graduated from extreme poverty while 6000 are said to be in what has been termed as ‘enabling environment,’ meaning they are on the path to graduation.

(By Doreen Shamiel Phiri)