Why Sweden closed embassies, cut aid to Zimbabwe and other countries

Sweden has announced that it will end long-term development assistance to five countries, including Zimbabwe, Tanzania, Mozambique, Liberia, and Bolivia, effective August 31, 2026. The decision is part of a strategic shift in Sweden's foreign aid, with the funds - SEK 700 million in 2026 and SEK 900 million in 2027 - redirected to support Ukraine amid the ongoing conflict.

Minister of Development Assistance and Foreign Trade, Benjamin Dousa, explained that the decision was influenced by the perception that aid has not yielded significant development in these countries over decades. "These are countries that have been characterized by socialism for many decades and as a result have not developed. Then you cannot expect the Swedish people to support year after year," Dousa said.

While humanitarian aid - such as food, tents, and vaccination programs - will continue for countries in acute crisis, long-term aid aimed at building health systems, education, and poverty reduction will cease. Dousa emphasized that this is a pragmatic decision to focus support where it can make the most impact, notably in Ukraine, which Sweden views as having a clear national security interest.

Sweden's decision has drawn criticism from opposition parties and civil society. The Social Democrats, Left Party, Green Party, and Center Party have all expressed concern, arguing that the cuts abandon local civil society initiatives that have been effective in improving lives. For instance, Sweden's partnership with the RFSU in Liberia, which supports women's and LGBTQI rights, could collapse if funding is withdrawn.

Opposition politicians highlighted that aid in these African countries has largely bypassed state apparatuses and targeted local communities directly. Lotta Johnsson Fornarve of the Left Party called the decision a "hard blow to the world's poorest," while Janine Alm Ericson noted that Sweden is abandoning projects that have made tangible differences in people's lives.

Dousa acknowledged that long-term aid has had mixed results, citing reports showing limited poverty reduction and in some cases worsening conditions due to dependency on subsidies. "We must use our aid efforts where they can be of the greatest benefit. We have now been in several of these countries for many decades. Not much has happened in terms of development," he said.

The move also involves closing embassies in Bolivia, Liberia, and Zimbabwe, further signaling a shift in Sweden's diplomatic and development priorities.

While Sweden maintains that the affected countries are free to pursue their policies, the government has framed the decision as a matter of accountability to Swedish taxpayers and strategic focus, particularly on the ongoing war in Ukraine.

This policy shift is expected to reshape Sweden's aid relationships in Southern Africa and Latin America, sparking debate over the balance between humanitarian responsibility and strategic national interests.