About us
A network for social protection in Malawi
We are over 50 civil society and community organisations working together so that social protection in Malawi is inclusive, well-funded and accountable to the people it serves.
Our story
Who we are
The CIVIL SOCIETY SOCIAL PROTECTION NETWORK (CSSPN) is a network of civil society organisations (CSOs) and community-based organisations (CBOs) championing social protection advocacy in Malawi. We were established in 2022 and formally launched on 30 May 2023 in Lilongwe.
In 2019, a study commissioned by the International Labour Organization and the Ministry of Finance found that civil society participation in Malawi's social protection sector was low. CSSPN was formed to change that — to bring civil society together to advocate for, monitor and strengthen social protection across the country.
“The network was formed to fill the gap in social protection advocacy.”
Vision
Inclusive, transparent and accountable social protection in Malawi by 2030.
Mission
Empower stakeholders for sustainable, inclusive social protection.
Values
- Transparency
- Accountability
- Participation
- Integrity
- Inclusivity
- Partnerships
CSSPN strives to empower civil society and stakeholders to advocate for sustainable, inclusive and equitable social protection through collaboration and coordination.
Why civil society leads
Uniquely placed to hold the system to account
Independent, trusted and close to communities — civil society is uniquely placed to hold social protection to account.
Credible
CSOs have a reputation for advocating for human rights, social justice and accountability.
Independent
CSOs are independent of government and UN agencies, so they can stay impartial.
Trusted
CSOs have long-standing relationships with local communities, built on trust and a deep understanding of their needs.
Responsive
CSOs can respond quickly to emerging grievances and adapt to changing community needs.
Governance
How we're organised
CSSPN brings together over 50 member organisations across Malawi's three regions, governed by:
- 01Steering Committee — led by the National Chairperson and Vice Chairperson.
- 02Regional Chairpersons — representing the South, North and Centre regions.
- 03Member organisations — the CSOs and CBOs that make up the network.
- 04Secretariat — led by the National Coordinator, running day-to-day operations.
Where we work
National reach, community roots
We work nationally across Malawi's three regions — North, Centre and South — reaching communities in districts including Ntchisi, Kasungu, Dowa, Mangochi, Salima, Karonga and Nkhata Bay. Our secretariat is based in Lilongwe.
North
Reaching communities in districts including Karonga and Nkhata Bay.
Centre
Ntchisi, Kasungu, Dowa and Salima — with our secretariat based in Lilongwe.
South
Reaching communities in districts including Mangochi and beyond.
Our strategy
Our strategy, 2025–2030
Our five-year strategic plan sets six objectives:
- 1
Strengthen the capacity of CSOs and CBOs to engage in social protection.
- 2
Strengthen civil society coordination and networking for advocacy.
- 3
Advocate for a strong legal framework in support of social protection.
- 4
Promote transparency and accountability in delivery.
- 5
Promote increased coverage for the poor and vulnerable.
- 6
Advocate for stronger government units responsible for social protection.
Our partners
Our work is made possible through partnership with government, development partners and donors — including support channelled through the ILO and Irish Aid.
- ILO
- Government of Ireland
- GIZ
- FAO
- World Bank
- European Union
- Save the Children
- Government of Malawi
Add your voice. Join the network.
Membership is open to organisations working in social protection advocacy and service delivery across Malawi.
Applications are open all year and reviewed by the Secretariat on a rolling basis.
Apply for membership