The World Bank confirmed the arrival of its first senior mission to Sudan since ties were suspended in 2021. The delegation reaffirmed the Bank’s commitment to continuing its existing portfolio of projects worth 540.2 million USD, aligning all interventions with the priorities outlined by the Sudanese government. The visit marks a significant step toward re-engagement after years of disruption.

During a meeting in Port Sudan, Finance Minister Jibril Ibrahim presented the government’s immediate priorities to the World Bank Regional Director for Sudan, Ethiopia, and Eritrea, Mariam Salem. He emphasized rebuilding infrastructure destroyed by the war, restoring essential services—health, education, water, electricity, and renewable energy—and reviving the agricultural sector. He also stressed the need to rehabilitate war-damaged infrastructure in Khartoum to enable displaced citizens to return home.

Ibrahim welcomed the resumption of cooperation and the continuation of funding for key development projects. Salem, accompanied by World Bank Country Manager Yuichiro Ishihara and Economic Specialist Mohamed Osman, said the mission’s purpose is to evaluate ongoing projects, identify achievements, and address operational challenges in coordination with the Sudanese government.

The meeting reviewed the Bank’s active projects since 2024, including programs for community resilience, emergency education support, health response, and social safety nets. It also revealed the Bank’s approval of a new clean and digital energy initiative. Both sides agreed on the urgency of creating a joint coordination unit within the Ministry of Finance to manage the World Bank portfolio effectively and ensure smooth collaboration with implementing partners.