SECO's economic development cooperation

At its meeting on 24 June 2026, the Federal Council set out the key parameters for international cooperation from 2029. In future, Switzerland will focus its development cooperation in a more targeted manner, establish a clear division of responsibilities between the SDC and SECO, and strengthen its humanitarian aid. In doing so, it is responding to the altered geopolitical situation, enhancing the impact of its international cooperation and, at the same time, achieving savings for the federal budget. The budget for international cooperation remains virtually unchanged at around CHF 2.4 billion per year. The measures that have been adopted will result in an annual reduction of around CHF 20 million from 2027. The FDFA and the EAER were tasked with drafting a consultation document on the International Cooperation Strategy 2029–32 on this basis.

Switzerland is to provide USD 70 million in support of the Private Infrastructure Development Group (PIDG). The Federal Council took this decision at its meeting on 5 June. PIDG mobilises private sector capital to develop sustainable basic infrastructure in sub-Saharan Africa and South and Southeast Asia.

The third call for proposals aimed at supporting reconstruction in Ukraine involving the Swiss private sector was launched today. The focus is on investment projects aimed at constructing facilities for long-term production and/or operations in Ukraine. The federal government is providing up to CHF 50 million to co-finance the projects.

During his visit to Serbia on Tuesday, 28 April, President Guy Parmelin met with President Aleksandar Vučić and Prime Minister Đuro Macut. The talks focused on bilateral relations, the situation in the Western Balkans, the introduction of a human rights dialogue, and international affairs. The presidential visit saw the signing of an agreement on an innovation programme and the launch of a new cooperation programme for the period up to 2029.

In Pristina on 27 April 2026, the head of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), Patricia Danzi, presented Switzerland's new cooperation programme for Kosovo. The CHF 64.5 million programme will run from 2026 to 2029 and will focus on democratic governance, economic development and equitable human development. It will be implemented by the SDC and the Peace and Human Rights Division (PHRD) of the FDFA, and the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) of the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research.

Official development assistance (ODA) saw an unprecedented decline worldwide in 2025. Switzerland remains a significant donor country: Swiss ODA amounted to CHF 3.8 billion, or 0.46% of gross national income (GNI). This figure fell by around 7% compared to the previous year, mainly due to lower asylum-related costs. ODA includes expenditure eligible for ODA from the Swiss Confederation, cantons and municipalities.

More than 1,500 participants from 120 countries are expected to attend online or in person the 5th edition of the International Cooperation Forum Switzerland (IC Forum), to be held in Geneva on 26 and 27 February 2026. The event will bring together key players in international cooperation to discuss current challenges and the future of humanitarian aid. Participants will include federal councillors Ignazio Cassis and Martin Pfister, as well as the UN under-secretary-general for humanitarian affairs, Tom Fletcher, and Mirjana Spoljaric, president of the ICRC, who will exchange views with a range of international experts.

Ukraine is currently facing its worst energy crisis since the start of the war. Swiss companies will be delivering high-performance generators and electricity modules to Ukraine in the coming weeks to provide support in this difficult situation. Following a request from the Ukrainian government, on 11 February 2026 the Federal Council approved aid up to a cost ceiling of CHF 32 million.

On 9 January, SECO published the second call for proposals to mobilise reconstruction projects in Ukraine in cooperation with Swiss companies. The federal government is contributing up to CHF 150 million towards such projects.

The state visit by President Cyril Ramaphosa is serving as an opportunity for Switzerland and South Africa to strengthen relations. On Wednesday, 29 October, five documents on future cooperation were signed. Prior to that, the South African president was received by the full Federal Council. Official talks focused on bilateral relations and cooperation between the two countries at international level.

The head of the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research (EAER), Federal Councillor Guy Parmelin, will lead an economic mission to Indonesia from 30 September to 3 October. The purpose of the visit is to deepen bilateral economic relations.

Switzerland is committed to supporting Ukraine’s economic recovery over the long term. The Federal Council therefore approved funding of CHF 30 million for the ‘Competitiveness for Recovery Ukraine 2026–2030’ programme at its meeting on 19 September.

During a visit to Switzerland by Ukrainian Prime Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko, the two countries announced projects involving Swiss companies that will be supported as part of Ukraine's reconstruction. The twelve projects receiving funding are in the areas of infrastructure (energy, housing), public transport, health and humanitarian demining. The Swiss private sector will therefore be able to support Ukraine's reconstruction efforts through its expertise and innovative, high-quality products.