GiveDirectly Update

This event provided key updates on GiveDirectly’s work, including the impact of their direct cash transfer model, stories from recipients, and future plans. It was an opportunity to learn more about how their innovative approach has been reshaping global aid and supporting some of the world’s poorest communities, including Malawi.

The audience heard from:

Yvonne Namala-Murindiwa - Programmes Director. Yvonne is a development expert with over 15 experience in working to address multidimensional poverty in the context of Malawi. Her passion is to enhance the agency of those that are less privileged, empowering them to adapt to the world's emerging challenges including climate change and access to economic opportunities.

Building on a long history of evidence that cash transfers can be transformative, GiveDirectly sends cash to people living in poverty, no strings attached. GiveDirectly started operating in Malawi in 2019. Since then, we have delivered over $92.8M in unconditional cash transfers using mobile money to 195,000+ recipients in eleven districts and four cities.

Tom Fitzpatrick - Partnerships Manager. Tom has 10+ years’ of experience working with teams worldwide to design new impactful development and humanitarian programmes which align with the interests of government, foundation and corporate donors.

He joined GiveDirectly in November 2024, and works closely with teams in DRC and Malawi to build effective partnerships with donors, and to spread the word about the effectiveness of cash transfer programming for people affected by conflict, climate change or poverty.

Resources

Presentation by GiveDirectly available here.

Recorded Video

Missed the event? You can find the recording here with the below time stamps.

00:00 Welcome remarks - Nasim Vadalia, Communications and Engagement Officer SMP
01:50 Background and Model used- Tom Fitzpatrick, Partnerships Manager GiveDirectly
20:00 Impact and future plans - Yvonne Namala-Murindiwa, Programmes Director GiveDirectly
35:55 Q & A
1:01:20 Closing remarks- Stuart Brown, CEO SMP