Sida's work in Georgia
Georgia is one of Europe's poorest countries, where democracy has been weakened. Sida strengthens civil society organisations working for democracy, human rights, sustainable and inclusive economic development, and EU approximation. On 6 March 2025, the government instructed Sida to suspend all direct government cooperation due to the deterioration of democracy.
Why does Sida work in Georgia?
Democracy is declining
Democratic freedoms and rights are being reduced and have further deteriorated since the change of government in October 2024, leading to repression of civil society, opposition politicians and independent media, and making it more difficult to operate freely.
Despite negative developments and the fact that the Georgian Dream party has paused the EU candidature process, opinion polls show that a majority of the population wants the country to join the EU.
One of the poorest countries in Europe
Poverty has fallen, but around one in five people live in poverty. Unemployment is high, especially among young people. An increasing number of Georgians are choosing to emigrate in the hope of a safer and more productive life.
Examples of what Sida contributes to
Supporting human rights defenders and an independent civil society
Sida supports Georgian civil society to continue to organise and work for human rights, such as freedom of expression and association, and for equal rights regardless of gender, religion, ethnicity or sexual orientation.
Improving water quality and protecting nature
Sweden through Sida has contributed to the development of two water treatment plants in Georgia. Thanks to the treatment plants, wastewater from 30,000 households can be treated, instead of being discharged unfiltered into rivers. Through a partnership with the World Wildlife Foundation (WWF), a new 15,310-hectare national park has been created in West Georgia.
Access to finance for small businesses
Through two loan guarantees, a number of small and medium-sized enterprises have gained better access to finance. More than 25 per cent of the loan takers are start-ups and more than 20 per cent of the businesses are owned by women.
Sida's development cooperation in Georgia
Sida’s aim is to reduce poverty and support reforms in preparation for future EU membership. This includes strengthening the country’s democratic and economic development. Sida also support civil society efforts to increase respect for human rights, improve the justice system, increase gender equality and climate sustainable development.
Sida contributes to improving governance, fighting corruption and strengthening the accountability of state authorities. Sida supports independent media and civil society organisations that scrutinise the state and counter disinformation.
Here are examples of projects that Sida supports:
Through support to the UN Programme for Gender Equality in Georgia and organisations working on human rights and women’s rights issues, Sida is helping to strengthen women’s sexual and reproductive health and rights and increase women’s economic and political power and influence.
Progress is also being made in the fight against gender-based and sexualised violence. For example, protection and support for victims of violence have improved. More cases of gender-based violence are reported, investigated and lead to convictions. Improved legislation against discrimination and sexual harassment has been introduced.
Among other things, Sida contributes to the modernisation of agriculture and strengthens micro, small and medium-sized enterprises to gain access to financing and credit and to reach out with their products to the EU and international markets. Here are examples of projects supported by Sida:
Georgian businesses often lack access to capital. Sida’s support has helped increase access to finance and credit for micro, small and medium-sized enterprises. Women entrepreneurs in the service sector are particularly prioritised.
Sida is helping to strengthen food security through the European Neighbourhood Programme for Agriculture and Rural Development (ENPARD), a project co-financed with the EU and implemented by the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO).
Among other things, food producers have been able to improve their quality assurance and adapt to EU regulatory requirements for food safety and consumer protection. Swedish support has also helped companies to sell their products in the EU and other international markets.
Through the project ‘Leadership for Sustainable Development in Georgia’, Sida is supporting 149 local companies and organisations to increase sustainability and decent employment. Support for the Green Economy: Sustainable Mountain Tourism and Organic Agriculture (GRETA) project created new employment opportunities in remote mountain areas of Georgia. Half of those employed were women, who are more often than men outside the labour market.
About Leadership for Sustainable Development in Georgia on Openaid
Sida contributes to strengthening the country’s ability to conserve biodiversity and increase the country’s ability to make necessary climate and environmental adaptations. Here are examples of projects that Sida supports:
Environmental work by authorities is severely lagging behind. Collaboration between Georgian environmental organisations that have jointly formed the Keep Georgia Tidy platform and, among others, Keep Sweden Tidy and Gästrike Återvinnare has increased people’s awareness of environmental issues, especially among children and young people. As a result, eight municipalities have developed new and improved waste management plans.
About the Keep Georgia Tidy project on the organisation’s website
Sida is supporting Georgia in implementing reforms to preserve biodiversity and improve water and air quality. Together with the World Bank and Georgian authorities, Sida has helped two water treatment plants to filter water from harmful substances. Wastewater from 30,000 households is now treated through a mechanical and biological treatment process that reduces harmful discharges into rivers.
About the environment and wastewater project at Openaid
Updated: March 18, 2025