Sudan Central Bank Injects Foreign Currency to Stabilize Exchange Market

KHARTOUM, July 1, 2026 - Sudan's central bank has injected 400 million United Arab Emirates dirhams into commercial banks as part of emergency measures aimed at supporting import financing and slowing the rapid depreciation of the national currency. The intervention comes as Sudan's pound continues to face intense pressure against major foreign currencies, contributing to sharp increases in the prices of essential goods and services across the country. The currency crisis prompted Prime Minister Kamel Idris to lead a high-level government meeting in Khartoum to review exchange rate policies, efforts to combat illegal currency trading, and measures against gold smuggling activities. Central bank officials said the foreign currency injection began on June 23 and was designed to provide importers with access to official financing channels while reducing pressure on the informal exchange market. Authorities reported that the measure helped lower the official exchange rate of the UAE dirham in some banking transactions, allowing importers to meet essential financial requirements. Commercial banks were instructed to strengthen compliance procedures, register import activities through the “Baladna” electronic platform, and follow trade regulations aimed at limiting capital flight. Despite the central bank’s intervention, activity in the parallel market remained largely unchanged, with traders reporting continued demand for foreign currencies and gold. Market rates showed the UAE dirham trading at around 1,417 Sudanese pounds, while the US dollar reached approximately 5,100 pounds. The price of gold remained high, with a gram trading around 580,000 Sudanese pounds. The government is expected to continue monitoring exchange markets as it attempts to restore stability in the financial sector amid the broader economic impact of Sudan's ongoing conflict.