Development assistance in Tonga
The Australia – Kingdom of Tonga Development Partnership Plan 2024–2029 (DPP) sets out the shared priorities of Australia and Tonga’s development partnership. The DPP outlines our agreed development objectives, ways for working together and how progress will be monitored. The DPP is an important reference point to ensure the Australia’s contribution to Tonga’s development is targeted, ambitious and well-coordinated across government.
Our development partnership has grown considerably in recent years as our bilateral partnership grows stronger. Our official development assistance (ODA) has grown from approx. $24 million in 2014 to approx. $44.9 million in 2024-2025. For 2025-2026, Australia’s ODA allocation to Tonga has increased to $69.7 million.
Purpose of the Development Partnership Plan
Australia’s International Development Policy presents a long-term vision for how the development program will meet the critical needs of our partners, support sustainable development and help lift people out of poverty. Australia seeks relationships based on respect and partnerships that create economic and social value for us all. To achieve this, Australia supports our partners to:
- build effective, accountable states that drive their own development
- enhance state and community resilience to external pressures and shocks
- connect with Australia and regional architecture
- generate collective action on global challenges that impact us and our region.
The DPP reflects the full spectrum of Australia’s development support – Australian Government bilateral Official Development Assistance (ODA), as well as significant regional and global ODA and non-ODA development activities. A commitment to ongoing dialogue and engagement with government and non-government actors in support of a genuine and respectful partnership underpins this DPP. A mid-cycle review of the DPP will be undertaken.