Africa: UK to cut aid to some African countries by 90%
The UK government has confirmed sweeping reductions to its bilateral aid programme. Nine African countries are set to lose more than 80% of direct British assistance by 2029 as overseas development spending is cut from 0.5% to 0.3% of gross national income.

The UK government has confirmed sweeping cuts to its overseas development aid budget, with total spending falling from 0.5% to 0.3% of gross national income.
Nine African countries facing the steepest reductions are set to lose more than 80% of direct British assistance by 2029. Aid organisations warn the funding cuts will directly affect health, education and disaster-response programmes.
The UK government has justified the reductions as necessary to increase defence spending and ease domestic budget pressures. Critics argue the move could weaken Britain's long-term influence across the continent.
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