Sweden has announced plans to gradually phase out development aid to Zimbabwe, Tanzania, Mozambique, Liberia, and Bolivia, marking a significant shift in the country’s international assistance strategy.
According to Swedish officials, the decision is part of a broader realignment aimed at directing more resources toward supporting Ukraine and rebuilding its war-damaged infrastructure. Stockholm emphasised that the ongoing conflict in Ukraine has created urgent humanitarian and reconstruction needs that now require greater financial commitment.
As part of the restructuring, Sweden will reduce its overall annual aid budget from 56 billion crowns to 53 billion crowns. The government said the adjustment will enable it to prioritise countries and regions deemed most critical under the current global circumstances.
In addition to reallocating funds toward Ukraine, Sweden confirmed that a portion of the aid budget will be redirected to cover domestic immigration-related costs, including services and integration programmes for asylum seekers within the country.
The decision has sparked debate among international development observers, who warn that the withdrawal of Swedish support could affect long-running projects in the affected African and Latin American nations.
However, Swedish authorities maintain that the revised aid framework will be more aligned with the country’s foreign-policy priorities and global security concerns.
