France's official development assistance (ODA) has proven resilient in 2026, with the government maintaining its commitment despite broader budget cuts. According to the latest data from the French Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs, the 2026 budget allocates €15.4 billion to ODA, representing 0.55% of gross national income (GNI). This is slightly above the 2025 level of €15.2 billion (0.54% of GNI), defying earlier fears of reductions due to the fiscal crisis.
The French Development Agency (AFD) continues to operate across 115 countries, focusing on climate, health, and education. In a statement on April 20, 2026, Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot described ODA as "a strategic asset for France," emphasizing its role in global stability and French influence. The AFD's 2026-2030 strategy, published in March 2026, prioritizes sub-Saharan Africa and the Indo-Pacific region.
However, the aid budget remains below the 0.7% GNI target set by the United Nations, a goal France has repeatedly postponed. The 2026 budget law, adopted in December 2025, included a clause requiring a review of ODA efficiency by September 2026. Critics, including the NGO Coordination Sud, argue that the government is using efficiency as a pretext for future cuts, noting that the 2026 allocation is still 2% lower in real terms than the 2023 peak of €15.8 billion.
Despite these concerns, the AFD has reported increased disbursements for climate adaptation projects, reaching €4.2 billion in 2025, up from €3.9 billion in 2024. The agency's president, Rémy Rioux, stated on April 22, 2026, that "France's development model remains a reference for many countries, and we are committed to maintaining our presence."
