In 2010, New Zealand directed $40 million (NZ$55 million) in development assistance to sub-Saharan Africa. 11% of New Zealand’s global increases between 2004 and 2010 were directed to the region.

In 2008, New Zealand adopted a new development assistance mandate that made sustainable economic development the core focus of its aid programme and confirmed the Pacific as the priority region. Its programme in sub-Saharan Africa is currently undergoing a review. Its assistance to Africa focuses on Zambia, Zimbabwe and South Africa. These programmes are complemented by contributions to multilateral agencies, scholarships for African students, humanitarian assistance and funding for New Zealand-based NGOs working with African partner organisations. Following New Zealand’s aid review, ten multilateral agencies were prioritised, including seven UN agencies, the World Bank, the Asian Development Bank and the OECD.

New Zealand has not made any commitments to increase development assistance beyond 2010, but looks to be on track to meet its 2010 goal of ODA reaching 0.35% of GNI by 2012–13.