The United States is giving Malawi $350 million to improve its power supply network after getting reassurances about the southern African country's commitment to human rights.

The grant was signed at a ceremony Thursday that had originally been expected in February. The U.S. had said that the deal was delayed because of concerns about "pending legal changes in Malawi."

At about the same time, the German government decreased aid after Malawi failed to repeal laws criminalizing homosexuality, and enacted laws seen as restricting media freedom.

Patrick Fine, a U.S. aid official, told reporters in Malawi Thursday the U.S. was able to proceed after getting "strong commitments" from the Malawi government to uphold human rights.