Policy Updates

On December, 1, 2024, German Economic Minister Robert Habeck travelled to Kenya to participate in the 5^th GABS.

Habeck's agenda prioritized green energy, climate change, and skilled labor migration topics. Representatives from BDI called for an increase of investment in African digital infrastructure.

Increasing prioritization of the private sector concerning African countries and development cooperation is likely under the next government.

GABS has been a central component of the increasing efforts of the German government to prioritize relations with African countries.

On December 2, 2024, the Council of the EU endorsed 46 Global Gateway flagship projects for 2025, which focus on the areas of digital, climate and energy, transport, health, education, and research.

Every year, new flagship projects are selected and added to the Global Gateway flagships list which includes 218 initiatives from 2023-2024. The list serves as a strategic communication and visibility tool for the EU and its member states.

Out of 46 newly selected flagship projects:

• 25 projects focus on climate and energy, including investments in climate resilience for land and water use, sustainable agricultural practices in Africa, and boosting renewable energy including hydro, solar, and wind;
• Six projects focus on digital, for example boosting digital connectivity in the Pacific or the EU-AU space partnership;
• Four projects focus on education such as boosting skills, rebuilding schools, and supporting entrepreneurship in Africa, Asia, Ukraine, and the Middle East;
• Six projects focus on health, increasing sanitation and healthcare in Africa and Europe; and
• Five projects focus on increasing global transport links.

On December 2, 2024, France announced an additional EUR50 million (US$60 million) for Gaza’s civilian population at the Cairo Ministerial Conference to Enhance the Humanitarian Response in Gaza.

France’s contribution will fund the humanitarian actions of UN agencies, NGOs, and direct French initiatives to address the humanitarian emergency. French Minister of Foreign Affairs Jean-Noël Barrot called on Israel to ensure that humanitarian assistance reaches Gaza.

In November 2023, French President Emmanuel Macron gathered key humanitarian actors, including the UN and NGOs, at the first international humanitarian conference in support of the civilian population of Gaza. France initially contributed EUR100 million (US$108 million). The second conference, held in December 2023, provided an update on the implementation of the financial commitments made in November 2023, and aimed to strengthen coordination between states, donors, UN agencies, and NGOs.

In 2024, Barrot announced an additional contribution from France of EUR100 million (US$108 million).

On December 1, 2024, the Norwegian government and the SV reached an agreement on the 2025 state budget with a notable focus on domestic issues, particularly climate initiatives and social welfare programs.

The ODA budget for 2025 is set at NOK53 billion (US$4.9 billion), marking a slight increase from the NOK52.9 billion (US$4.7 billion) proposed in October. Although the overall allocation for ODA remains relatively unchanged, there are modest increases in specific areas, including civil society initiatives, disarmament and nuclear safety efforts, peace organizations, and humanitarian initiatives.

Domestically, the SV achieved significant gains, securing NOK7 billion (US$644 million) in additional funding for social welfare programs and climate initiatives. The largest portion of this funding is allocated to increasing child benefits, reflecting the SV’s focus on supporting families. Importantly, these new investments are financed through increased use of oil revenues, avoiding budgetary cuts to other programs or services.

On November 29, 2024, Japan approved the supplementary budget for:abbrFY2024, amounting to JPY13.9 trillion (US$92.4 billion), focusing on alleviating economic pressures domestically, such as rising living costs and energy expenses and maintaining commitments to global engagement and development.

Of the total amount, Japan allocated JPY265 billion (US$1.8 billion) to enhance its engagement with the LICs. This allocation aims to strengthen partnerships with LICs and support initiatives aligned with Japan’s broader ODA strategy, such as infrastructure development, capacity building, and sustainable growth.

Japan designated JPY26.9 billion (US$180 million) for Ukraine and neighboring countries, signaling Japan’s commitment to providing humanitarian assistance and contributing to reconstruction efforts. This funding aligns with Japan’s role in the international response to the ongoing conflict, consistent with its commitments under the G7 framework.

The allocations underscore Japan’s continued emphasis on international development as part of its broader foreign policy strategy, using targeted financial support to foster stability and resilience in key regions.

On November 29, 2024, the Dutch MOFA released a practical handbook to support the implementation of the government’s 2022 FFP.

The FFP aims to promote global equality, improve representation in decision-making, and tailor strategies to diverse contexts. The policy is guided by four principles: rights, representation, resources, and reality checks.

The handbook outlines seven key priorities:

• Embedding gender perspectives;
• Gender-sensitive budgeting;
• Addressing root causes;
• Inclusive consulting;
• Policy monitoring and evaluation;
• Institutional strengthening; and
• Organizational change.

To realize these priorities, the government recommended the following practical steps:

• Conducting gender analyses for policies, programs, and funding decisions;
• Implementing the use of gender-sensitive tools like the OECD gender marker;
• Training all ministry staff in feminist principles by 2025; and
• Expanding the network of gender focal points in embassies and departments.

On November 29, 2024, Canadian Minister of International Development Ahmed Hussen announced that Canada will provide CAD50 million (US$36 million) in further humanitarian assistance to address the urgent needs of Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank.

The funding will support the UN, Red Cross, and experienced NGO partners to deliver emergency medical assistance, food, water, protection services, and other life-saving assistance.

Canada has allocated a total of CAD215 million (US$154 million) in ODA to the current crisis in Gaza, including this pledge.

On November 28, 2024, Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong released a new International Disability Equity and Rights Strategy to improve the lives of people with disabilities throughout Australia’s humanitarian and overseas development programs.

Wong announced a further AUD12 million (US$8 million) to assist access to technologies such as prostheses and wheelchairs in the Indo-Pacific. The policy will focus on five areas including eliminating discrimination, partnering with people with disability, seeking equity in climate, and humanitarian action.

The strategy was released ahead of the UN International Day of People with Disability, held on December 3, 2024.

On November 28, 2024, the Norwegian parliament agreed to increase support for Ukraine in 2025, committing a minimum of NOK35 billion (US$3.1 billion), distributed into NOK22.5 billion (US$2 billion) for military assistance and NOK 12.5 billion (US$1.1 billion) for humanitarian and civilian assistance.

This decision follows significant negotiation among Norwegian political parties. The final amount is more than double the Norwegian government's initial proposal of NOK15 billion (US$1.3 billion) to NOK30 billion (US$2.6 billion) in response to opposition pressure and an additional NOK5 billion (US$440 million) was added to the package.

Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre emphasized the importance of achieving broad political consensus on this issue. He described this agreement to signal a clear signal of unity, demonstrating Norway's steadfast support for Ukraine and its opposition to aggression.

The decision aligned with Norway's broader international commitments. Combined with increased funding for Ukraine, the total ODA for 2025 achieves the country’s target of allocating 1% of its GNI to ODA.

On November 27, 2024, the South Korean MOFA and the National Assembly’s Global Sustainable Development and Humanitarian Forum co-hosted a discussion on the future of ODA during the 2024 Development Cooperation Week.

Cheol-soo Ahn and Jae-jung Lee, co-chairs of the National Assembly's Global Sustainable Development and Humanitarian Forum, delivered opening remarks emphasizing the importance of prioritizing quality over quantity in ODA strategies.

Experts had an in-depth discussion on public-private partnerships, grants, and loan assistance. The event was attended by parliamentarians, ODA-related government representatives, public institutions, and civil society experts.