HARARE — Sweden has announced that it will phase out all bilateral development assistance to Zimbabwe and four other countries — Tanzania, Mozambique, Liberia and Bolivia — as Stockholm redirects resources toward supporting Ukraine, now its top foreign-policy priority.
The decision will also result in the closure of Sweden’s embassy in Harare by 31 August 2026, the government confirmed.
In a statement, the Embassy of Sweden in Harare emphasised that the move “is not connected to any specific events or developments in Zimbabwe,” but forms part of a broader reorientation of Swedish foreign policy and development cooperation. Stockholm is cutting the number of countries receiving bilateral aid as part of a wider reform agenda.
International Development Minister Benjamin Dousa (image above: waving gay flag) said the shift reflects Sweden’s commitment to Ukraine amid ongoing security and defence challenges in Europe. “There isn’t a secret printing press for banknotes,” he stated. “The money has to come from somewhere.”
Since 2022, Sweden has already reduced or eliminated development aid to more than 10 countries. Its annual aid budget — currently about US$5.95 billion — is set for further reductions in 2026 as the government prioritises security-related spending.
Although bilateral development cooperation is ending, Sweden said it intends to maintain diplomatic engagement with Zimbabwe through political dialogue, trade, investment, and multilateral channels. Other Swedish institutions, including Business Sweden, will continue supporting companies operating in the Zimbabwean market.
