The overall objective of the 4th GoM/EU Micro-Projects Programme (MPP4) is to contribute to the reduction of poverty in Malawi. The purpose of the programme is to enhance socio-economic development of local communities. The beneficiaries of MPP4 have been those local communities rural and urban throughout Malawi who sought assistance to participate in their own development. The programme also targeted the elected officials and officers of 28 District Assemblies, sub district institutions at area and village level and non-governmental development actors and programmes, who together with communities implemented projects and sustained the long-term benefits of the programme.  The MPP4 adopted the 9th EDF procedures for tendering and procurement of services, supplies, works and grants contracts. Challenges were encountered with respect to monitoring implementation schedules, adopting programme activities to EDF procurement procedures and meeting financial targets for disbursement and payments.
The programme results, as formulated in the Financing Agreement (FA) No 6582/MAI and as amended under Riders No. 1 & 2 are:
•    Health and sanitation services and access improved
•    Education services and access improved
•    Community participation in development increased
•    Service delivery at District level improved
•    Income generation activities improved

The above results are consistent with Article 70 of the Cotonou Agreement.  MPP4 supports micro projects at local level “which have an economic and social impact on the life of the people, meet a demonstrated and observed priority need and are undertaken at the initiative and with the active participation of the local community which benefit there from”.

These initiatives include; education projects, health projects, improved access to services through construction of bridges and road repairs, community organisation and training for development, as well as projects aimed at increasing agricultural production and incomes.