The GiveDirectly initiative will provide unconditional cash transfers to thousands of Malawians as researchers track the long-term impact of direct financial support.
Lilongwe, Malawi (Running Africa) — Canva co-founders Melanie Perkins and Cliff Obrecht have expanded their direct cash transfer program in Malawi to US$150 million, creating what organizers describe as the largest unconditional cash assistance initiative ever implemented in a low-income country.
The program, delivered through the Canva Foundation in partnership with global nonprofit GiveDirectly, provides unconditional cash transfers directly to recipients, allowing families to decide how best to meet their own needs without restrictions.
The initiative began with a US$10 million pilot in 2021. Following a US$50 million investment during its initial phase, Perkins and Obrecht committed an additional US$100 million in 2025, significantly expanding the program’s reach.
Direct Cash Transfers Lift Families Out of Extreme Poverty
Unlike many traditional aid programs, the initiative transfers money directly to beneficiaries through mobile payment platforms, with no conditions attached to how the funds are spent.
Each eligible adult receives approximately US$550, an amount that exceeds the average annual income for many households in Malawi.
According to early program findings, the results have been significant.
In Khongoni sub-district, where every eligible adult received cash transfers, 9 out of 10 recipients rose above the international extreme poverty line within 3 months.
Researchers also reported improvements in household well-being, including lower child mortality, fewer illnesses, and increased school enrolment among participating communities.
Program to Reach 185,000 More Malawians
More than 139,000 people have already benefited from the initiative.
The next phase will expand the program to approximately 185,000 residents in Chiradzulu District by early 2027, further extending support to vulnerable households across Malawi.
Researchers say the expansion forms part of the world’s largest randomized controlled trial of unconditional cash transfers, generating evidence on how direct financial support can reduce poverty and improve long-term development outcomes.
The program is expected to contribute valuable insights into poverty alleviation strategies while providing thousands of Malawian families with greater financial stability and opportunities for economic empowerment.
