Maldives
Maldives Development Cooperation Factsheet
May 2023
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Estimated Australian ODA: 2023-24: $3.0m
Gross National Income Per Capita: US9,600 (2021)
Population: 521,457 (2021)
| Australian ODA | 2021-22 Actual ($m)* | 2022-23 Estimated Outcome ($m)* | 2023-24 Budget Estimate ($m)* |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Country programs |
1.6 | 1.8 | 1.7 |
|
Regional |
0.5 | 1.0 | 1.3 |
|
Global/other |
0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
|
Other Government Departments |
0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
|
Total Aust. ODA to Maldives |
2.1 | 2.8 | 3.0 |
*Due to rounding, discrepancies may occur between sums of the component items in totals.
As an Indian Ocean neighbour, Australia has an interest in a prosperous, peaceful and stable and Maldives underpinned by strong democratic institutions and a robust civil society.
Australia's development cooperation with Maldives is delivered primarily through capacity building partnerships, including by offering direct educational opportunities, sharing Australian expertise in sustainable environmental resource management, and working through UN partners to strengthen inclusive governance.
Strategic direction
In line with the Sustainable Development Goals, Australia's development cooperation program in Maldives aims to:
- support human resource development through Australia Awards Scholarships and Fellowships;
- build Maldivian capabilities to protect vital environmental resources; and
- strengthen governance and improve access to justice.
Program highlights
- We awarded eight Australia Awards Scholarships in 2022 and 2023, and ran three Short Courses in response to identified needs in areas such as effective media and governing in the digital age.
- In partnership with the United Nations Development Programme, Australia continues to support democratic governance in Maldives including through institutional strengthening, empowerment of civil society and media, and promoting decentralisation and gender equality.
- Australia is strengthening the blue economy capabilities of Indian Ocean States, including by developing Maldives' ability to collect data on and rehabilitate its vital reef systems.
