The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) has pledged a new grant of $47 million for Sudan, provided that the country clears its outstanding arrears. The Sudanese government has already begun steps to address the overdue payments, according to Finance Minister Jibril Ibrahim.
Speaking after a meeting with IFAD Country Director Rasha Omar, Ibrahim said procedures are underway to settle the arrears, which would allow Sudan to secure new financing for small-scale crop and livestock producers. He stressed the government’s commitment to building resilience and advancing rural development, including empowering women and organizing farmers into associations to improve their access to international finance.
Planning Undersecretary Mohamed Bashar highlighted the importance of IFAD’s programs for rural communities affected by war, particularly in nine states including Gezira, Kassala, Gedaref, Khartoum, River Nile, Sennar, and North, West, and South Kordofan.
Rasha Omar, on a mission to Sudan from September 6–20, said her visit focuses on strengthening cooperation, monitoring arrears settlement, and reviewing the Natural Resources and Livelihoods Program. She commended Sudan’s progress over the past two years despite conflict, citing improvements in crop yields, water resource management, and the shift from diesel to solar-powered irrigation systems, which cut costs by 30%.
She expressed optimism that settling Sudan’s arrears will pave the way for resuming projects and attracting more investment in agriculture, which she described as central to poverty reduction and food security.
