Maldives
June 2024
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Estimated Australian ODA: 2024-25: $4.8m
Gross National Income Per Capita: US10,880 (2022)
Population: 523,787 (2022)
| Australian ODA | 2022-23 Actual ($m)* | 2023-24 Budget Estimate ($m)* | 024-25 Budget Estimate ($m)* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Country programs | 1.8 | 1.7 | 3.0 |
| Regional | 0.7 | 1.3 | 1.8 |
| Global/other | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Other Government Departments | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Total Aust. ODA to MVES | 2.5 | 3.0 | 4.8 |
*Due to rounding, discrepancies may occur between sums of the component items in totals.
Maldives is an emerging Indian Ocean democracy and a small island developing state vulnerable to the impact of climate change. Australia has an interest in a prosperous, peaceful and stable Maldives, underpinned by strong democratic institutions and a robust civil society.
The increase in Australia's development program demonstrates our commitment to deliver these outcomes and support Maldives' democracy.
Australia's development activities respond to needs identified in consultation with the Maldivian government and community, and are delivered in partnership with national institutions and other development partners.
Strategic direction
In line with the Sustainable Development Goals, Australia's development cooperation program in Maldives aims to:
- support capacity building through Australia Awards Scholarships and Fellowships
- strengthen governance and improve access to justice and
- build Maldivian capabilities to respond to the existential challenges of climate change.
Program highlights
- We awarded 12 Australia Awards scholarships to commence study in 2024, and ran short courses in response to identified needs in areas such as climate finance.
- In partnership with the UN Development Programme, Australia supports democratic governance in Maldives including through practice parliaments that strengthen democracy and encourage gender equality in political representation.
- 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.
