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The European Union has approved an initial €1.9 billion humanitarian aid budget for 2026, with €557 million set aside for African countries, including Nigeria.
The funding focuses on Nigeria’s North West region, where insecurity, displacement, and food shortages continue to affect millions. The allocation for Africa does not include a separate €14.6 million reserved for North Africa.
The EU announced the funding as 239 million people worldwide need humanitarian assistance, while several major donors reduce their support. The European Commission said the funding aims to help close the growing gap between needs and available resources.
The humanitarian programme will provide emergency food, shelter, healthcare, and protection for vulnerable people. It will also support education for children living in crisis affected areas. EU officials said they remain committed to delivering aid based on humanitarian principles.
Regional Funding Breakdown
The approved budget includes:
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€557 million for West and Central Africa, the Sahel, the Lake Chad Basin, North West Nigeria, Southern Africa, the Great Lakes region, and the Greater Horn of Africa
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€448 million for the Middle East, including Gaza, Iraq, Yemen, Syria, and Lebanon
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€145 million for humanitarian assistance in Ukraine, with an additional €8 million for Moldova
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€126 million for Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Iran
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€95 million for Central and South America and the Caribbean
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€73 million for Southeast Asia and the Pacific, with focus on the Myanmar crisis and its impact on Bangladesh
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€14.6 million for North Africa
The EU also reserved more than €415 million to respond quickly to sudden emergencies worldwide and to maintain humanitarian supply chains.
The European Commission said it will continue discussions with private sector partners to explore new funding models and innovative solutions that can support humanitarian responses and reach more people in need.
