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Switzerland has reportedly decided to end its development aid programmes for Zambia, Bangladesh, and Albania due to budget cuts approved by its parliament.
According to Swissinfo.ch, the cuts come after parliament allocated less funding for foreign aid in December than the government had requested.
The 2025 international cooperation budget was reduced by CHF110 million ($121 million), with a further CHF321 million cut planned for 2026–2028.
“This move impacts bilateral, economic, and thematic cooperation, as well as multilateral organisations,” the report stated.
The Federal Council, Switzerland’s executive body, was notified of the decision on Wednesday.
As a result, the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) will phase out its bilateral aid programmes in Zambia, Bangladesh, and Albania by the end of 2028.
Between 2025 and 2028, further cuts will affect country-specific and thematic programmes, though humanitarian aid, peacebuilding, and assistance to Ukraine will remain unaffected.
This development follows the United States’ recent announcement of a 90-day suspension of aid to Zambia and other least-developed nations, as Donald Trump’s foreign policy shifts take effect.
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