Building Businesses, Creating Jobs: The Journey Beyond Social Protection

A World Bank delegation led by Ms. Loli Arribas-Banos, Practice Manager for Social Protection and Jobs covering 14 countries in Eastern and Southern Africa, has recently visited COMSIP-supported enterprises under the Social Support Resilient Livelihoods Project - SSRLP in Dowa and Lilongwe, appreciating how former social protection beneficiaries are building sustainable livelihoods, creating jobs and growing businesses.

The delegation, which included World Bank Malawi Country Manager Mr. Abdul Muwonge, began its visit at Dowa Turn-Off Market before proceeding to Brave Ladies Cooperative in Area 23, Lilongwe.

In Dowa, the delegation toured welding workshops operated by Damiano Kachala and Rose Wotchi, beneficiaries of the Social Support for Resilient Livelihoods Project (SSRLP), also known as Tidzidalire. Through COMSIP’s Youth Skills Challenge, the two received technical training in welding and fabrication, business management skills and start-up toolkits.

Today, their businesses produce doors, window frames and gates. Kachala employs two young people and serves as a Master Craft Trainer, while Wotchi, popularly known as the “lady welder,” is breaking gender barriers and inspiring other young women.

The delegation later visited Brave Ladies Cooperative, an all-women grouping of 40 members, including 10 young women, who previously participated in the Social Cash Transfer Programme (SCTP).

Established in March 2024 under the Livelihood Restoration Programme for Urban Poor (LIRUP), the group has mobilised approximately MK18.8 million in savings. With COMSIP’s support, members produce pine gel, dishwashing liquid and petroleum jelly, generating approximately MK1.13 million per production cycle from an initial investment of MK420,000.

Their Joint Skills Groups revolving grant has also grown from MK3 million to MK8 million. Members additionally operate individual businesses, while the cooperative has secured land for future offices and plans to expand its production capacity.

Commending the progress made by the beneficiaries, Ms. Arribas-Banos highlighted the importance of linking social protection to sustainable economic opportunities.

“This is exactly what we mean by resilient livelihoods. It is not just about the cash transfer. It is about what happens after,” she said.

The visits demonstrated how skills development, savings and enterprise support can help vulnerable households transition from social protection to economic self-reliance.

SSRLP is financed by the World Bank and the Social Protection Multi-Donor Trust Fund and implemented through the National Local Government Finance Committee (NLGFC) and COMIP is implementing the Livelihoods Support Programme core sub component.