EU’s €1.9B 2026 Aid: €557M Boost for Nigeria, Africa Amid Cuts

By Linda Ike

Facing donor cuts and 239 million in crisis, the European Union announced an initial €1.9 billion humanitarian aid budget for 2026.

It earmarks €557 million for Africa with Nigeria’s violence-plagued North-West in focus, covering Sahel, Lake Chad Basin, Central/Southern Africa, Great Lakes, and Horn of Africa.

North Africa gets €14.6 million separately, as stated by EU Delegation Press Officer Modestus Chukwulaka.

The aid funds emergency food/shelter, healthcare, vulnerable protection, and child education in war zones as major donors retreat and humanitarian law strains.

European Commissioner for Equality, Preparedness and Crisis Management, Hadja Lahbib unveiled it Wednesday, heading to Davos for private sector buy-in.

“The system faces unprecedented strain; public funds alone won’t suffice.

“Europe leads with €1.9 billion, now mobilising business in Davos to innovate, scale and finance faster,” she said.

Regional Breakdown€448M: Middle East (Gaza post-ceasefire, Iraq, Yemen, Syria, Lebanon).€145M: Ukraine (year 4) + €8M Moldova.€126M: Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iran.€95M: Central/South America/Caribbean (conflicts, violence, climate).€73M: Southeast Asia/Pacific (Myanmar/Bangladesh).€415M+: Global emergencies/stockpiles.

Lahbib co-hosts a Jan 22 World Economic Forum event on “New Alliances in Aid and Development.”

Since 1992, EU aid has reached 110+ countries via NGOs/UN. Its 24/7 ERCC coordinates rapid disaster response worldwide.

This reaffirms EU solidarity: principled aid for the hardest-hit.