A rise in the amount of cash being spent on overseas aid to £10 million a year shows Scotland is a “global good citizen”.
International development minister Alasdair Allan welcomed the increased investment, which will be focused on improving conditions in Malawi, Zambia, Rwanda and Pakistan.
From 2017, the Scottish Government’s international development fund will rise from £9 million a year to £10 million – more than three times the £3 million budget there was in 2008.
With links between Scotland and Malawi stretching back 158 years, some of the money will be used to fund projects there, as well as in Zambia and Rwanda, while the cash for Pakistan will go towards improving education and tackling inequality.
Mr Allan said aid cash had previously been “spread too thinly across seven countries”.
He added that ministers want it to be “more focused, targeted and transparent in order to make a real difference to some of the world’s most vulnerable people”.
He continued: “Our increased funding and refreshed policy reinforces our vision of Scotland’s place as a good global citizen, committed to playing our role in addressing the challenges faced by our world.
“Our mutual need and support of each other, across borders, has never been felt more acutely. We’re excited about forging stronger and more meaningful partnerships with Malawi, Zambia, Rwanda and Pakistan.”
