Switzerland cuts foreign aid to Bangladesh, Albania and Zambia
These reductions will affect bilateral, economic, and thematic cooperation, as well as multilateral organisations
The Swiss government is set to discontinue its development aid programs in Bangladesh, Albania, and Zambia following a reduction in foreign aid funding by parliament last December.
Parliament cut CHF 110 million ($121 million) from the 2025 international cooperation budget and CHF 321 million from the financial plan for 2026–2028, reports Swissinfo.
These reductions will affect bilateral, economic, and thematic cooperation, as well as multilateral organisations, according to an official statement.
On Wednesday, the Federal Council, Switzerland's executive body, was informed of the budget cuts. In response, the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) will phase out its bilateral development programs in Albania, Bangladesh, and Zambia by the end of 2028.
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Between 2025 and 2028, additional reductions will be made to country and thematic programs and organizations. However, funding for humanitarian aid, peacebuilding, and assistance to Ukraine will remain unchanged.
