Some of the world’s poorest countries to lose UK aid after 56% Africa cut

The foreign secretary has set out cuts that will see bilateral UK aid to Africa fall by almost £900m by 2028-29, a reduction of about 56%, part of more than £6bn redirected to boost defence spending. A 40% reduction to the overall aid budget, approved by MPs last year, will end bilateral programmes in G20 countries except Turkey and concentrate most support on conflict zones, notably Ukraine, Sudan and Palestine.

This year’s spending has been protected for Lebanon because of the intensity of the current offensive from Israel, and ministers say 70% of all support will be targeted at the most fragile and conflict-affected states by 2029. Yemen, Somalia and Afghanistan are among those facing cuts, though Yvette Cooper said they would still receive funding via multinational aid agencies; Pakistan and Mozambique will see almost all development aid replaced by partnerships for investment.

The crisis reserve for humanitarian emergencies falls from £85m to £75m.

United Kingdom, Africa

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