Sudan’s Minister of Social Welfare, Mutasim Ahmed Saleh, has revealed that poverty levels in the country have surged dramatically from 21% to 71% as a result of the ongoing war. Speaking at an awareness conference in Port Sudan, the minister said that an estimated 23 million Sudanese citizens now live below the poverty line, describing the situation as a major social and economic crisis.

Saleh stated that the government is working to address the growing poverty rate through initiatives focused on job creation and small-scale productive projects. He called for corporate social responsibility funds to be redirected toward programs that provide tangible benefits to citizens, reduce unemployment, and support the shift from humanitarian relief to sustainable recovery.

He further noted that many Sudanese have lost their livelihoods due to the conflict, underscoring the urgency of expanding microfinance programs. The minister said the government, in cooperation with the Central Bank, is easing loan requirements and increasing financing limits to empower citizens to launch self-sustaining projects.

Saleh emphasized that poverty reduction requires a coordinated effort among state institutions, financial bodies, and social partners. He said reforms would focus on promoting entrepreneurship and creating an inclusive financial environment capable of restoring stability and rebuilding local economies.