Sudan Launches 3 Trillion-Pound Fund to Support Summer Farming Season

KHARTOUM, July 9, 2026 - Sudan’s government has approved the creation of a banking finance fund worth more than 3 trillion Sudanese pounds to support the 2026 summer agricultural season and strengthen financing for the country’s productive sectors. The initiative comes as farmers face mounting challenges caused by the ongoing conflict, including limited access to financing, shortages of improved seeds and fertilizers, rising fuel prices, and disrupted supply chains. Finance Minister Gibril Ibrahim said the fund is designed to ensure the success of the July-to-October farming season. He also announced that the government will cover a substantial share of agricultural insurance costs to reduce financial pressure on farmers. The minister encouraged the formation of agricultural cooperatives to help small-scale producers gain easier access to financing, technical support, agricultural extension services, and essential production inputs. The financing initiative was approved following consultations involving the finance ministry, the Central Bank of Sudan, the Agricultural Bank, and commercial banks. Under the plan, the Central Bank will contribute 20% of the fund’s value, while each commercial bank will provide at least 5% of the targeted financing. The programme is intended to expand investment in agriculture while safeguarding participating banks' capital and returns, with particular emphasis on microfinance and strengthening agricultural value chains from production to export. The government aims to cultivate 1.2 million feddans in the Gezira Scheme, 7.6 million feddans in Gedaref State, and more than 3.3 million feddans in White Nile State during the current season. Agriculture remains a cornerstone of Sudan’s economy, employing around 80% of the workforce and contributing nearly 32% of the country’s gross domestic product. However, agricultural output has declined significantly in recent years as conflict, rising production costs, and adverse weather conditions continue to affect food production and rural livelihoods. Social and Health