The government has decided to phase out bilateral aid to Bolivia, Liberia, Zimbabwe, Tanzania, and Mozambique to instead support Ukraine. Aid Minister Benjamin Dousa justifies the decision with Ukraine's urgent needs, but it faces strong criticism from aid organizations and the opposition. Critics warn that poor countries and democracy projects are being abandoned.
On December 5, 2025, Aid Minister Benjamin Dousa (M) announced at a press conference that Sweden is phasing out bilateral development aid to five countries: Bolivia, Liberia, Zimbabwe, Tanzania, and Mozambique. The funds will instead go to Ukraine, which the minister described as a 'decisive moment for Europe's history' due to the great need there.
The decision has drawn strong criticism from aid organizations. Mattias Brunander, secretary general of Diakonia, says: 'One is abandoning the democracy movements that have been supported for a long time with good results.' Diakonia's work in Zimbabwe, strengthening local democracy from a gender perspective, is directly affected and has been 'extremely effective,' according to Brunander. RFSU's secretary general Ingela Holmertz warns that a unique network for sexual and reproductive health in Liberia risks collapsing, including progress toward stronger abortion rights. Cecilia Chatterjee-Martinsen of Save the Children calls it worrying that support for Ukraine comes at the expense of the world's poorest countries, risking the closure of schools and health clinics. Julia Schalk of WaterAid points out that aid is being shifted to areas like Swedish trade and remigration.
The opposition is united in criticism. Social Democrat Morgan Johansson describes it as 'deeply irresponsible' and 'hasty and sloppy' without a proper basis or impact assessments, reducing Sweden's international influence. Center Party's Anna Lasses calls it 'truly unfortunate' and warns that Russia and China could take over influence in Africa; she suggests a separate fund for Ukraine. Left Party's Lotta Johnsson Fornarve sees it as a hard blow to the poorest, affecting women, children, democracy, rights, and climate. Green Party's Janine Alm Ericson criticizes the government for prioritizing tax cuts for the rich and remigration grants over a safer world.
The government claims the aid to these countries has not had the desired effect, but Sida's Ulf Källstig counters that the countries still have major needs, with growth rates of 6-7 percent in Mozambique and Tanzania over the last 10-15 years, though from a low base. Critics like Brunander note that the decision deviates from aid's goal of reducing poverty and is instead motivated by Swedish security policy, meaning poor countries pay the price.
