The Government of Sweden has announced that it will phase out its bilateral development cooperation with Liberia and close the Swedish Embassy in Monrovia during the course of 2026. The decision, which also affects Zimbabwe, Mozambique, and Tanzania, follows significant reductions in Sweden’s overall development cooperation budget.
According to a public statement issued by the Embassy of Sweden accredited to Liberia and Sierra Leone, the move “has not been taken lightly” and will be carried out in a responsible and orderly manner. All bilateral operations in Liberia are expected to end by August 2026.
Despite the closure, Sweden emphasized that this shift is not connected to any policy issues or events in Liberia, but rather a broader restructuring of its global aid commitments. Importantly, Sweden’s support to Liberia through multilateral channels and the European Union will continue, ensuring that the country remains a beneficiary of Swedish global development initiatives.
The statement further reassured Liberians that Sweden intends to preserve, and even diversify, the strong relationship between the two nations. Officials highlighted plans to strengthen trade and business cooperation, signaling a pivot from traditional aid to economic partnership.
“Sweden remains a steadfast partner to Liberia,” the Embassy noted, stressing the long-standing ties and shared values that underpin the relationship.
The original public statement was first published on SwedenAbroad.se/Monrovia.
