By Salma El-Sakka
The UK government has dramatically reduced overseas aid to Commonwealth countries, with bilateral funding projected to fall from £546 million in 2024‑25 to £131 million by 2028‑29, according to analysis seen by the Guardian. The cuts come as King Charles and Prime Minister Andy Burnham attend the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (Chogm) in Antigua, where the monarch acknowledged historical injustices but the government kept reparations off the agenda.
Aid Cuts Across Commonwealth
Nigeria will remain the largest recipient, receiving £68 million in 2028‑29, down from £137 million this year, leaving just £63 million for all other Commonwealth nations with bilateral programmes. The Caribbean Development Team faces a reduction from more than £98 million in 2025‑26 to £45 million in 2026‑27.
Impact on Poorest Nations
Several of the world’s least developed countries face severe reductions. Aid to Sierra Leone will drop from nearly £30 million to £5 million, while Rwanda and Tanzania will see their allocations slashed from about £30 million and £60 million respectively to £5 million each by 2028‑29. Both Sierra Leone and the UK are set to co‑convene climate adaptation talks at the Cop31 summit in Turkey next week.
Nature Funding Hit Hard
Funding for nature protection has been particularly affected. At least 26 Commonwealth countries have been barred from applying to the Darwin Initiative, a longstanding fund worth about £40 million annually. Adrian Gahan of the Campaign for Nature warned that biodiversity‑rich nations grappling with poverty are losing critical support, noting the UK made no financial contribution to the new Commonwealth nature initiative launched at Chogm.
Contrast with Summit Rhetoric
Jean McLean of Oxfam GB said the government has “dropped the ball” on aid as conflict, hunger and climate breakdown drive global need to record levels. The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office has been approached for comment. The Chogm meeting is due to conclude on Wednesday.
