New projections from the OECD show that official development assistance (ODA) will decline by 6.9% in 2026, marking the third consecutive year of decline. 

At a time when developing countries are grappling with diseases like Ebola, health funding is projected to see the deepest cuts, falling by between 29% and 46% between 2024 and 2026. And while countries are grappling with the impacts of increased food and energy prices due to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, humanitarian assistance is projected to fall by 40%. 

David McNair, Executive Director of ONE Data, said “The OECD’s forward-looking approach to understanding trends in funding for development is critical in helping countries plan for the future. This is why ONE Data is building new ‘nowcasting’ tools drawing on the experience of economic forecasting to offer up-to-date projections of future trends.” 

“Africa is going through a range of shocks from wars to health crises to, in some places, heavy debt repayments from Chinese financing,” added Mark Green, ONE’s President and CEO. “The continued rapid decline in ODA only adds to those shocks. It is disappointing to say the least. It fails to help Africa realize its potential, and does little to help the world become more stable, more safe, and more prosperous. It makes the advocacy work we do at ONE more important than ever.” 

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ONE is a global, nonpartisan organization advocating for the investments needed to create economic opportunities and healthier lives in Africa. Since 2004, we have helped secure more than $1 trillion in new investments to build a safer, more prosperous world. Our trusted advocacy combines hard-hitting data, grassroots activism and political engagement to influence decision-makers and drive lasting change. Learn more at www.one.org. 

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 22, 2026  

Contact: Kim Lundgren, [email protected]