OECD: Estonia contributed 77 million euros to development cooperation last year; Ukraine remains top priority

Estonia's official development assistance totalled 77 million euros in 2024, representing 0.20% of Estonia's GNI. Compared to 2023, Estonia's ODA decreased by 26.3% in real terms. This covers all public sector activities supporting socio-economic development in developing countries.  

Support for Ukraine continues to be at the heart of Estonia's development cooperation and humanitarian aid activities. In 2024, Estonia allocated 15 million euros for bilateral development cooperation and humanitarian aid to Ukraine, 46% more than last year. 

"Estonia considers it important to set an example when it comes to reconstruction and humanitarian support for Ukraine. Against the background of a decrease in both global development funding and development funding directed at Ukraine, it is imperative that Estonia and Europe continue to support Ukraine," said Margus Tsahkna, Estonia's foreign minister. "The geopolitical situation has put development cooperation and humanitarian aid under historically severe pressure. As contributions from large donors decrease, Estonia must remain a firm, predictable and reliable partner in this field." 

In addition to Ukraine, Estonia will continue cooperating with select countries in the EU's Eastern Neighbourhood and Africa. Estonia supported Eastern Neighbourhood priority countries, Moldova, Georgia and Armenia, with €2.9 million and Kenya, Uganda, Namibia and Botswana with €1.6 million. Allocations to international organisations (European Union, World Bank Group, UN) accounted for 64% of Estonia's ODA. 

Globally, ODA fell in 2024 for the first time in five years to $212 billion, a decrease of 7.1% in real terms compared to 2023. According to OECD forecasts, ODA is expected to decrease by 9-17% in 2025 compared to 2024. 

“It is regrettable that ODA decreased in 2024 after five years of continuous growth. It’s even more concerning that some of the major donors have signalled further, and quite significant, decreases over the coming years.” OECD DAC Chair Carsten Staur said. “In this situation, it is paramount that ODA is invested where it is most needed, especially in the poorest and most fragile countries. Going forward, poverty eradication, the just green transition and governance should remain at the core, and we must also make ODA work harder in mobilising other sources of finance. Doubling down on aid effectiveness, together with partner countries, will be the key to achieve this.” 

* These are preliminary data. Figures may be updated during the final data review.