UK to Cut Aid to Africa by 56%, Affecting Schools and Clinics. London, United Kingdom — 2026-03-19 Lead Paragraph The United Kingdom is set to slash its bilateral aid to Africa by 56%, amounting to nearly £900 million by 2028-29, according to official statements. This reduction is part of a broader £6bn reallocation to fund increased defense spending.
The cuts will impact programs such as schools and clinics in some of the world’s poorest countries. Body.
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has outlined the overhaul of its aid spending strategy, which includes a 40% reduction in overall aid spending.
This cut is in line with a decision made by MPs last year, aiming to redirect funds to conflict zones, primarily Ukraine, Sudan, and Palestine. Despite this, Lebanon’s aid spending will be protected, as officials signed off on the decision only last night due to the ongoing conflict with Israel.
By 2029, 70% of all support will be allocated to the most fragile and conflict-affected states.
Countries like Yemen, Somalia, and Afghanistan will face cuts, although Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper stated that they would still receive funding from multinational aid agencies.
In contrast, nations such as Pakistan and Mozambique will see almost all their development funding cut, with a shift towards investment partnerships.
The crisis reserve for humanitarian emergencies has also been trimmed, though by less than anticipated, from £85m to £75m.
Cooper emphasized that this decision is not ideological but a difficult choice in the face of international threats.
The FCDO also plans to phase out all funding for bilateral programs in G20 countries, with the exception of a small allocation to refugee hosting in Turkey. No direct aid will be provided to countries such as India, South Africa, Brazil, and Indonesia.
Development Minister Jenny Chapman highlighted that the UK’s intention is to gradually return to the legally enshrined aid target of 0.
7% of GDP when possible. Some of the poorest African nations, such as Mozambique, Malawi, and Sierra Leone, have expressed a preference for expertise partnerships with the UK, focusing on building stable financial systems and clean energy.
The FCDO’s changes prioritize geopolitical security and conflict, as well as funding for major multinational agencies like the vaccine program Gavi.
The British Council and BBC World Service will also have their funding protected, with £240m a year allocated until 2029. Ending.
The UK’s aid cuts have been met with criticism, with Adrian Lovett, UK executive director of the ONE Campaign, emphasizing the devastating impact on basic healthcare, education, and humanitarian support in the world’s poorest countries. Further details and the full implications of these cuts are expected to emerge in the coming weeks.
