The African Development Bank (AfDB) has approved $74 million in funding for the Sudan Emergency Wheat Production project, which will be implemented by the World Food Program.
This initiative aims to enhance food security and increase wheat production in Sudan.
In a show of support for Sudan during its ongoing civil conflict, Rufus N. Darkortey, the Bank’s Executive Director representing The Gambia, Ghana, Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Sudan, reassured the country of the Bank’s continued assistance in providing humanitarian and economic aid.
“The Bank remains committed to helping Sudan reduce fragility, stabilize its economy, and foster recovery,” said Darkortey, acknowledging the severe impact of the conflict on the nation. The discussions between Darkortey and Sudan’s Finance Minister and Governor of the African Development Bank, Dr. Gebreil Ibrahim Mohamed Fediel, took place in Cairo, Egypt, due to the ongoing civil conflict. The focus of the meeting was on the Bank’s ongoing support for Sudan, identifying new priorities, and discussing humanitarian aid.
Darkortey highlighted the importance of expanding aid access nationwide, particularly in Darfur. He also emphasized the need to safeguard investments in Sudan financed by the Bank and development partners during the conflict.
Darkortey commended the outcome of the recent humanitarian donor conference in Paris, where a total of $2.13 billion was pledged for Sudan.
Governor Fediel was informed by the Executive Director that the African Development Bank is supporting Sudan at both national and regional levels. The Bank has allocated $74 million for the Sudan Emergency Wheat Production project, which will be implemented by the World Food Program. This project aims to enhance food security and wheat production in Sudan, with the long-term goal of making Sudan a net exporter of wheat.
Additionally, the Bank has committed $1 million from its Special Relief Fund to support humanitarian and food security efforts for internally displaced persons, refugees, and vulnerable communities.
At the regional level, the Bank is co-financing a $36.4 million emergency project to support the stabilization and recovery of refugees and host communities in the Lake Chad Basin. Furthermore, the Bank is exploring additional regional support to address the displacement crisis resulting from Sudan’s conflict.
Minister Fediel expressed gratitude to the Bank and its President, Dr. Akinwumi A. Adesina, for their substantial support in helping Sudan meet its immediate needs.
He emphasized the importance of continued humanitarian assistance and technical support to assess the impact of the conflict as peace is established.
With the farming season approaching, Minister Fediel called on the Bank to urgently provide agricultural support, including seeds and fertilizers.
Governor Fediel reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthen the African Development Bank by ensuring the settlement of the country’s debt arrears.
He also pledged Sudan’s financial contribution to the ADF-17 replenishment cycle starting in 2025, as outlined in a constituency memorandum signed in 2023.
This memorandum outlines plans to enhance domestic resource mobilization and promote SME-led private sector growth in constituency member countries.
Both officials expressed their appreciation to the Bank’s Sudan Country Office for its leadership during this challenging period.
They also extended their gratitude to the Egypt Office for hosting the mission.
Darkortey also met with the staff of the Bank’s Sudan Country Office, reaffirming the Bank’s ongoing support for their well-being.
