By Chisomo Kambandanga

Nkhata Bay, December 13, Mana: Women in Nkhata Bay have commended Social Cash Transfer Programme (SCTP) for being a beacon of hope by providing them with opportunities to embark on small scale businesses.

In an interview with Malawi News Agency (Mana), Friday, Laika Msumba, of Traditional Authority M’bwana in the Nkhata Bay District said that she has opened a hairdressing salon to serve her economic sustainability besides serving her community.

 “When I was enrolled into the program in 2022, we were encouraged to save the money through our village bank, hence I used my shares to raise capital and open my dream salon business.

Its growing steadily and I am proud to be serving my community while earning a living,” said Msumba.

According to Msumba, on average she gets a profit of K20,000.00 per week from her salon and it is easy for me to fend for my household.

Another beneficiary, Monica Chirwa 30 from Makumbo of Traditional Authority Zilakoma said that she has acquired goats and chickens using her monthly stipends.

I am confident that by the end of the program, I will have established a thriving livestock business.

Principal Social Welfare Officer responsible for Social Cash Transfer for Nkhata Bay, Wisdom Mwafulirwa he was impressed to see beneficiaries being empowered economically.

"This is a step towards creating a more equitable and prosperous society for all," said Mwafulirwa.

SCTP is being implemented by Malawi Government through the National Local Government Finance Committee with funding from Multi Donor Trust Fund and World Bank and currently benefiting 6,475 households in Nkhata Bay.