Portugal will need to triple development assistance over the coming five years if it is to meet an EU target of giving 0.7% of gross national income (GNI) to aid by 2015. While Portugal remains committed to reaching the EU target, aid volume in constant US dollars actually fell by 16% in 2009, to USD 507 million, equivalent to 0.23% of GNI. Official development assistance (ODA) peaked at USD 620 million in 2008, equivalent to 0.27% of GNI. The DAC recognizes that tripling ODA over the coming years will be particularly challenging in the current economic environment. But it expects Portugal to make better progress toward delivering on its promises.

Portugal has improved its aid programme significantly over the last five years. It has established a whole-of government approach to security and development challenges, and new legislation to ensure that domestic and international policies, such as trade and migration, do not undermine development in poor countries. This legislation puts Portugal ahead of many other donors in addressing coherency challenges, and now needs to be implemented vigorously. Portugal is a significant donor in six countries: Angola, Cape Verde, Guinea Bissau, Mozambique, Sao Tome & Principe and Timor Leste. This focus on fragile and least developed countries means that Portugal is involved in some of the most challenging and important issues in international development.