UK slashes overseas aid budget, cutting African support by up to 90%

The United Kingdom government has announced a reduction of its Official Development Assistance (ODA) from the previously pledged 0.5% of gross national income to 0.3% by 2027. The decision, made by Prime Minister Keir Starmer, will be reflected in the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office's programme allocations for 2026‑2028, which show substantial cuts across sectors such as health, education and conflict‑related assistance.

Charity groups warn that the cuts will dramatically reduce bilateral aid to several African nations – up to 90% for Mozambique and Malawi, 80% for Rwanda and Sierra Leone, and nearly 50% for Somalia – and could jeopardise vital projects for children and vulnerable communities. The government says it will shift focus to multilateral channels like the World Bank, but NGOs argue that the loss of direct funding will have severe humanitarian consequences. The announcement has already prompted criticism from development organisations and led to the resignation of the former development minister.

Key figures quoted include Results UK CEO Kitty Arie, who called the cuts “morally indefensible,” and Bond chief executive Romilly Greenhill, who warned that the reductions risk plunging affected populations into poverty and instability.