Sudan Seeks to Revive World Bank Partnership for Reconstruction and Debt Relief

Washington, April 18, 2026 - Sudan has stepped up efforts to restore cooperation with international financial institutions, as officials push to secure funding for reconstruction and accelerate debt relief amid the ongoing crisis. A Sudanese delegation held talks on Saturday with representatives of the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) on the sidelines of the Spring Meetings, focusing on reactivating partnerships suspended in recent years. The World Bank froze approximately $1.8 billion in grants to Sudan following the October 2021 political upheaval. Despite this, limited engagement has continued through programs implemented by United Nations agencies in key sectors such as health, education, water, and agriculture. During the discussions, Sudanese officials emphasized that restoring full cooperation with the World Bank is critical to financing reconstruction and development initiatives. They also called for faster progress on resolving the country’s external debt, seen as a prerequisite for unlocking concessional financing for infrastructure and productive sectors. Sudan’s external debt reached an estimated $66.8 billion by late 2023, with a significant portion consisting of accumulated interest. Earlier debt relief efforts-amounting to roughly $50 billion-were suspended following the 2021 crisis, despite Sudan having advanced under the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) initiative. Officials highlighted ongoing economic reform efforts, noting progress despite the severe disruptions caused by the war. The government reaffirmed its commitment to meeting the conditions required for debt relief and implementing structural reforms aimed at restoring financial stability and economic growth. International partners signaled cautious support. Representatives at the meetings expressed willingness to assist Sudan in re-engaging with global financial institutions, including through technical support, while underscoring the importance of transparency and continued data sharing. The economic toll of the conflict remains severe. The war has significantly reversed development gains, with sharp declines in economic output and a surge in poverty levels, further intensifying the urgency of securing international financial support for recovery and reconstruction.