Africa

The Africa Division carries out bilateral and regional cooperation programmes in selected African countries. 

Many of the contexts where it works are fragile or affected by conflict. The division, which is split into three operational sections, uses the nexus approach – which combines development cooperation and humanitarian aid – in its response to these challenges.

Humanitarian aid instruments are used to address immediate and urgent needs on the ground; development cooperation aims to create longer-term positive change by helping to improve living conditions in disadvantaged and fragile countries in a sustainable manner. Both types of activity are carried out in most of the regions and countries of intervention in order to enhance the coherence, relevance and effectiveness of Switzerland's international cooperation work.

The Africa Division is supported by thematic advisers and a staff office.