Child-Sensitive Social Protection: An investment case for Child-Sensitive Social Protection in Malawi

This report and a series of case studies were conducted to gather evidence on which child-sensitive social protection (CSSP) programs in Malawi, Uganda, Somalia, and Zambia are most beneficial and cost-efficient in the long term. The analysis then examines measures these governments have taken to create more fiscal space for CSSP, describes opportunities to capitalise on the significant rates of return for scaling up these initiatives, and offers policy options for further financing these programs at scale. In addition to supporting the CSSP child rights agenda in East and Southern Africa, these findings may be useful for other countries seeking to understand public investment options for low- and middle-income countries.

This study contributes to the ongoing conversation around social protection spending and explores the value of investing in child-sensitive social protection (CSSP). It finds that for every $1 invested, $1.9 is returned, making the investments cost-effective. Investments in child-sensitive social protection could help Malawi harness a demographic dividend from its young population.