Country focus in Sweden´s development cooperation
In 2007 Sweden decreased its number of partner countries for development cooperation to be more effective in the development cooperation work. Sweden is currently working with 33 partner countries.
The overall outcome of the country focus process is:
- A stronger focus on Africa. This continent has the
greatest need of support for poverty reduction. Africa is further from achieving the Millennium Development Goals than other regions. Africa is the continent most affected by conflicts, HIV/AIDS and the risk of starvation.
- A stronger focus on Europe. As former Soviet states and countries in south-eastern Europe continue to establish closer ties with the European Community, the conditions are created for reducing poverty in these countries, which is necessary for promoting a democratic and stable Europe.
- A stronger focus on peace and security. We will further develop our cooperation with the majority of states in a conflict or post-conflict situation.
- A stronger focus on democracy and human rights. Stable democracies characterised by good governance in which the individual´s rights and freedoms are respected are a prerequisite for sustainable development in keeping with human dignity. We will retain our strong involvement for democratic social development in several states with a serious democratic deficit.
Long term development cooperation in the poorest countries
Sweden is pursuing long-term development cooperation with countriesin Africa, Asia and Latin America. Poverty is widespread in sub-Saharan Africa and countries there are most far from achieving the UN Millennium Development Goals.
Support to conflict areas
Sweden is pursuing cooperation with several countries in conflict/postconflict situations. People are particularly vulnerable in countries ravaged by conflict. Lack of democracy, human rights, peace and stability make the conditions for development cooperation especially difficult, but this is also where the needs are greatest.
Reform cooperation in Eastern Europe
Sweden is supporting countries with continued EU integration and important reforms in former Soviet states and south-east Europe. The aim of this cooperation is stronger democracy, equitable and sustainable development and closer ties with the EU and its fundamental values.
Swedish development cooperation in figures
In 2009, Sweden provided SEK 34.7 billion (EUR 3.6 million) to development cooperation. That corresponds to 1.12 percent of GNI. Only Sweden and four other countries are currently meeting the UN target of 0.7 percent of GNI in development cooperation.
Sweden´s development cooperation is channelled to partner countries both bilaterally and multilaterally. In 2009, 66 percent was distributed through bilateral development cooperation and 34 percent in the form of contributions to multilateral organisations such as the EU, the World Bank and the UN. 29.3 percent of the bilateral support was directed to sub-Saharan Africa. 25.9 percent was directed to the least developed countries.
