In a critical move amid tightening global humanitarian funding, the European Union (EU) has designated Nigeria and several other African nations as primary beneficiaries of its humanitarian response for 2026, committing €557 million from a total budget of €1.9 billion announced by the European Commission.
The funding, unveiled on Wednesday, focuses on regions significantly affected by crises, including West and Central Africa, the Sahel, the Lake Chad Basin, and North-West Nigeria. This decision reflects the EU’s recognition of the scale and urgency of the humanitarian needs in these areas. Notably, the €557 million allocation does not include an additional €14.6 million earmarked for North Africa.
This announcement arrives in a critical period where an estimated 239 million individuals worldwide are in dire need of humanitarian assistance, even as major donors are scaling back their contributions. European Commissioner for Equality, Preparedness and Crisis Management, Hadja Lahbib, emphasized that the EU is reaffirming its commitment to providing principled, needs-based aid.
The Commission indicated that its humanitarian support will focus on essential services such as emergency food and shelter, critical healthcare, protection for vulnerable populations, and educational opportunities for children affected by conflict and displacement. The EU remains dedicated to delivering assistance based on the most pressing needs, despite the growing challenges within the global humanitarian landscape.
Beyond Africa, the EU has allocated €448 million for humanitarian efforts in the Middle East, with a special focus on Gaza following last year’s fragile ceasefire, as well as ongoing crises in Iraq, Yemen, Syria, and Lebanon. Additionally, €145 million will support Ukraine as the conflict with Russia approaches its fourth year, complemented by €8 million for humanitarian projects in Moldova.
Further assistance includes €126 million for Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Iran, and €95 million aimed at regions in Central and South America and the Caribbean facing armed conflict, violence, political instability, and environmental challenges. Southeast Asia and the Pacific will receive €73 million, particularly addressing the fallout from the crisis in Myanmar and its impact on neighboring Bangladesh.
In addition to these allocations, the Commission has set aside more than €415 million to respond to sudden-onset emergencies globally and to maintain a strategic humanitarian supply chain.
Lahbib is taking the EU’s funding commitment to the World Economic Forum in Davos this week, where she is engaging business leaders and investors on how private sector financing and innovation can help close the widening gap between humanitarian needs and available resources. She is also scheduled to co-host an event with the World Economic Forum on new alliances in aid and development.
“The humanitarian system is under unprecedented strain, and public funding alone will not meet the scale of the crisis,” Lahbib said. “Europe is taking action, committing an initial €1.9 billion for 2026. As the largest humanitarian donor, we are taking our political responsibility and leading the global response.”
She described the push to mobilise private sector support as essential, adding that the moment called for collective responsibility. “This is a test of solidarity,” Lahbib said, “and Europe is rising to the challenge.”
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