Sudan Finance Minister Orders Urgent Measures to Address Trade Crisis

Khartoum, April 22, 2026 - Sudan’s Finance Minister Gibril Ibrahim has directed immediate measures to address severe bottlenecks affecting exports and imports, as the country’s economy continues to struggle under the weight of a prolonged conflict. The Ministry of Finance said the minister, who is heading a special economic task force, has ordered “instant solutions” to ongoing trade disruptions while preparing broader structural reforms aimed at stabilizing the national economy. Since the outbreak of war in April 2023, Sudan’s economy has contracted by more than 42% compared to pre-conflict levels. Officials estimate that around 60% of the population has lost reliable sources of income, while the national currency has sharply depreciated, now trading at over 4,000 Sudanese pounds per U.S. dollar. During a high-level meeting at the central bank in Khartoum, the finance minister emphasized the need for coordinated policies to secure agricultural inputs and revive industrial production. He called in particular for upgrading livestock processing and slaughterhouse systems to increase value-added exports and expand access to international markets. The task force also agreed on stronger anti-smuggling enforcement measures and greater support for the private sector through structured partnerships aimed at import substitution. Authorities say these steps are intended to protect domestic industries and ensure a steady supply of essential goods through formal financial channels. Business representatives have expressed support for the reforms, stating that the private sector is prepared to play a central role in reconstruction efforts, particularly in food processing and textile industries. However, the broader economic outlook remains highly challenging. Recent assessments indicate that Sudan’s GDP fell by 29.4% in 2023 and a further 13.5% in 2024, with projections suggesting a return to pre-war economic levels may take several years. Government revenues have also declined sharply, dropping from around 10% of GDP in 2022 to less than 5% in 2024. Trade data for 2025 show a deficit of approximately $3.86 billion, with exports totaling $2.64 billion against imports of $6.49 billion.