DRC Humanitarian Fund Annual Report 2024

Donor Contributions

In 2024, the DRC Humanitarian Fund (DRC HF) reversed a five-year decline in funding, securing $48.6 million in contributions, complemented by CERF allocations of $36.7 million. This represents a 19 per cent increase from 2023 ($40.8 million) and a return to funding levels not seen since 2021. This recovery underscores the renewed confidence of donors in the Fund’s ability to address the growing humanitarian needs in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

A key driver of this success has been the sustained support from the Fund’s eight donors—Belgium, Canada, Germany, Ireland, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, and Sweden—whose continued contributions highlighted their trust in the Fund's value and effectiveness. Additionally, the Fund broadened its donor base, with Denmark and Latvia making their first contributions of $4.3 million and $20,986 respectively. These new partnerships reflect the Fund’s ongoing efforts to diversify its financial support and enhance sustainability.

Among the donors, Germany emerged as the largest contributor in 2024, with a remarkable 212 per cent increase, committing $11.2 million. The Netherlands followed with $10.7 million, representing a slight decrease from $13 million in 2023, though still significantly higher than its 2022 contribution of $7.6 million. Belgium, the Fund’s third-largest donor, contributed $9.2 million, a slight reduction from $10.2 million in 2023, aligning more closely with its 2022 level of $9.4 million. Other notable increases included Sweden ($4.8 million, a 26 per cent rise) and Ireland ($4.3 million, a 43 per cent rise). Luxembourg’s contributions declined by 70%, from $910,215 in 2023 to $273,523 in 2024.

Improved timeliness and predictability of funding were pivotal in 2024, allowing the Fund to respond swiftly to pressing humanitarian needs. Notably, 46 per cent of contributions ($22.3 million) were received in the first quarter, a significant improvement compared to just 15 per cent in 2023. Contributions received through multi-year agreements with Belgium, Canada, Germany, Ireland and Netherlands, totaling $26 million, further enhanced the Fund’s ability to plan and allocate resources timely, including supporting newly authorized displacement sites near Goma and responding to underfunded humanitarian crises in Tanganyika and Maniema.

Going into 2025, the Fund carries over of $21.2 million, ensuring its readiness to support the priorities set under the HNRP and respond to sudden-onset crises, early in the year.

The DRC 2025 HNRP anticipates that over 21 million people will require humanitarian assistance, with needs mostly concentrated in the eastern provinces severely affected by violence and insecurity. Funding requirements to reach the 11 million most vulnerable people exceed $2.5 billion. In this context, the DRC HF must redouble its efforts to strengthen relationships with core donors, expand its donor base, and secure predictable funding streams. These actions will be vital to ensure that the Fund remains agile and well-positioned to deliver life-saving interventions to the most vulnerable populations throughout 2025 and beyond.