As we move forward within the new financial year, the Scottish Government has outlined its funding position for 2009-10.

The International Development Fund for this financial year is again £6 million. So far, £4,692,693 is already committed to existing projects, i.e. years two and three of existing programmes. Of this, current commitments in Malawi stand at almost £2.9 million (£2,828,629) for 2009-10. The Scottish Government is therefore well on the way to honouring the minimum allocation of £3 million, ring fenced from the International Development Fund, for programmes in Malawi.

Given existing commitments for 2009-10, the remaining unallocated budget of £1,307,307 will be used to:

• fund work under the South Asia (Indian Subcontinent) Development Programme, details of which will be available on completion of the consultation process; and
• meet the minimum £3 million allocation for Malawi. The Scottish Government plans to hold a small and targeted grant exercise in the coming months. This will invite project proposals on the specific areas for priority funding, currently being identified in discussion with the Government of Malawi.

The Scottish Government is also keen to facilitate greater networking among grant holders in Scotland that are working in Malawi. They are therefore looking to hold an event in Scotland to bring all current grant holders together so they can share expertise and exchange ideas. The exact nature and format of the event is currently being considered and the Scottish Government is working with NIDOS and the Scotland Malawi Partnership to seek their advice on this. Details will be made available soon.

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