Official development aid increased in 2023 with higher Ukraine and humanitarian aid

International aid from official donors rose in 2023 to a new all-time high of USD 223.7 billion, up from USD 211 billion in 2022, as provider countries increased aid flows to Ukraine and directed more humanitarian assistance to developing countries, according to preliminary data collected by the OECD.  

Official Development Assistance (ODA) to Ukraine, where Russia’s war of aggression is entering its third year, rose by 9% in 2023 to reach USD 20 billion, including USD 3.2 billion of humanitarian aid. In 2023, ODA also increased to the West Bank and Gaza with preliminary estimates showing a rise of 12% on 2022 to USD 1.4 billion. Within that total, USD 758 million was in the form of humanitarian aid, which increased by 91% from 2022. On a global level, humanitarian aid rose by 4.8% in 2023 to reach USD 25.9 billion.

ODA used to cover refugee costs within donor countries fell by 6.2% in 2023 to stand at USD 31 billion, representing 13.8% of total ODA compared with 14.7% in 2022. For 7 of the 31 DAC countries, in-donor refugee costs still accounted for over a quarter of their ODA in 2023. ODA excluding these in-donor refugee costs was up by 3.2% in real terms.

Read more: International aid rises in 2023 with increased support to Ukraine and humanitarian needs (press release)