Over a million Zimbabwean women and girls, who have benefited from aid provided by the Netherlands and the United Kingdom, face increased hardship as both nations implement policies to reduce their overseas development assistance.
The Netherlands government will reduce its overseas development aid by €2.4 billion.1 Similarly, the United Kingdom Aid (UKAID) funding, previously allocated to help over two million Zimbabwean women and babies access essential maternal and neonatal health care, and to support the Zimbabwean government in preparing for future epidemics and pandemics, will now be reduced. The UK government has stated that this reduction will strengthen its response to Russian President Vladimir Putin.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated in Parliament, “At times like this, the defence and security of the British people must always come first. That is the number one priority of this government.”
These aid budget cuts follow a recent trend, exemplified by former U.S. President Donald Trump’s decision to halt almost all USAID operations worldwide, aligning with his “America First” policy. Zimbabwe received over £31 million from the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) between 2024 and 2025.
The Netherlands, a long-time supporter of Zimbabwe’s economy, has also announced that future funding will prioritize programs that directly benefit its own interests. The Dutch aid funding cut is expected to take effect in 2027.
“All the programmes we fund must contribute directly to our own interests: promoting trade, enhancing security and reducing migration,” stated the Netherlands Minister for Foreign Trade and Development, Reinette Klever.
The Netherlands provides aid to Zimbabwe with a focus on supporting human rights advocates, advancing gender equality, addressing climate change, and fostering economic development.2 Beneficiaries of Dutch aid in Zimbabwe include organizations such as Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights, Green Impact Centre, The Bioskop! Short Film Competition, Zimbabwe Women Lawyers Association, My Trees Trust, HeForShe, and Birdlife Zimbabwe, which focus on various human rights, environmental, and gender equality initiatives.
