Switzerland Cuts Foreign Aid to Zambia
Switzerland has announced it will end its development aid programs for Zambia, Albania, and Bangladesh by 2028. The decision follows budget cuts by the Swiss parliament in December 2024, which reduced foreign aid funding by CHF 110 million ($121 million) for 2025 and CHF 321 million for 2026–2028. This move reflects Switzerland’s shifting priorities, as it redirects resources toward European security, humanitarian efforts, and the ongoing war in Ukraine.
For Zambia, the withdrawal of Swiss aid is a major setback, as Switzerland has been a key development partner in economic growth, governance, and health programs. Over the years, Swiss funding has helped support small businesses, agriculture, and rural development—sectors that are vital for Zambia’s economy. The loss of this financial assistance could slow down development projects and limit opportunities for local entrepreneurs, especially in marginalized communities.
One of the most affected sectors could be healthcare. Swiss aid has contributed to programs focused on maternal and child health, infectious disease control, and healthcare infrastructure. With Zambia already facing challenges in public health financing, the reduction in aid might place additional strain on medical facilities, particularly in rural areas. The government will need to explore alternative funding sources to ensure that critical healthcare programs continue.
Switzerland has also played a role in supporting good governance and anti-corruption efforts in Zambia. By funding institutions that promote transparency, democracy, and accountability, Swiss aid has helped strengthen governance structures. Without this support, there is a risk that progress in these areas could be reversed, making it more difficult to fight corruption and ensure effective public service delivery.
The decision to cut aid highlights a broader trend of declining foreign assistance for African nations. With European countries facing economic and security pressures, many are shifting their focus away from development aid toward domestic concerns and geopolitical challenges. This underscores the need for Zambia to reduce dependency on foreign aid and invest more in self-sustaining economic strategies.
The Zambian government has yet to issue an official response, but the implications are clear—without Swiss financial support, Zambia must either secure alternative funding from other international partners or boost domestic revenue generation. This could mean implementing new economic policies, expanding trade agreements, or increasing investment in key sectors such as agriculture, technology, and renewable energy.
While some argue that foreign aid can create dependency, the sudden withdrawal of Swiss support raises concerns about the sustainability of existing development projects. As Zambia prepares for a future with less external funding, its ability to adapt, innovate, and build a more self-reliant economy will determine how well it weathers this transition. The coming years will be a test of the country’s economic resilience and governance strength.
https://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/foreign-affairs/programs-for-albania-bangladesh-and-zambia-to-be-discontinued/88798306
Switzerland Cuts Foreign Aid to Zambia
