The British government has announced a fresh reduction in its international aid budget, with funding to many African countries set to decline as the government shifts focus toward defence and humanitarian crises elsewhere.
Speaking in parliament, Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper said the changes reflect the government’s decision to cut aid spending to 0.3 per cent of gross national income, down from 0.5 per cent.
The move follows an earlier decision by Prime Minister Keir Starmer to redirect funds toward boosting the country’s defence budget, a policy that has drawn criticism from humanitarian organisations.
Under the new plan, funding will be prioritised for countries facing severe humanitarian crises, including Sudan, Ukraine, Lebanon and the Palestinian territories.
However, Cooper made it clear that direct financial support to several countries in Africa and the Middle East will be reduced, with a gradual shift away from traditional aid grants.
“This means bilateral aid to a number of countries will be scaled back,” she told lawmakers, noting that Britain will also phase out direct aid to most G20 nations, with the exception of Turkey due to its large refugee population.
Despite the cuts, the UK says it will still commit about £1.4 billion annually over the next three years to areas with the most urgent humanitarian needs.
Cooper explained that the government is adopting a new approach focused on “partnership, not paternalism,” with greater emphasis on sharing technical expertise and supporting long-term development rather than direct financial assistance.
While countries such as Somalia and Yemen remain priorities, they are also expected to see reductions in direct funding.
The government added that support for women and girls will remain central to its development agenda, alongside plans to invest around £6 billion in tackling the impact of climate change on vulnerable communities.
Britain was one of the world’s largest aid donors in recent years, contributing nearly $18 billion in 2024, according to international data.
However, the latest cuts signal a continued shift in priorities as economic pressures and security concerns reshape spending decisions.
The decision is likely to have significant implications for many African countries that rely on British aid, especially at a time when several economies are already facing rising debt, inflation and humanitarian challenges.
