The first high-level official delegation from the World Bank has arrived in Sudan since relations were suspended in 2021. The head of the mission reaffirmed the Bank’s commitment to ongoing projects in Sudan, with a financing portfolio totalling $540.2 million, aligned with government-determined priorities.
During a meeting at the Ministries Complex on Monday, Minister of Finance Dr. Gebreil Ibrahim, accompanied by the State Minister, Undersecretary for Planning, Director General of External Finance, and Director of International Financial Institutions, welcomed the resumption of relations and continued project funding. The Minister outlined government priorities, highlighting post-war reconstruction, provision of essential services—including health, education, water, electricity, and alternative energy—agriculture, and the rehabilitation of infrastructure damaged in Khartoum State, to support citizens returning to their homes.
Ms. Mariam Salem, Regional Director of the World Bank for Sudan, Ethiopia, and Eritrea, said the mission, including Mr. Yuichiro Ishihara, Country Director for Sudan, and Dr. Mohamed Osman, Economic Expert at the Bank’s Sudan office, aims to evaluate the performance of ongoing projects in coordination with the Sudanese government, assessing achievements and identifying impediments. She noted that a recent November meeting in Washington reached a consensus to extend support to Sudan through new projects in food security and essential services.
The meeting reviewed Bank-funded projects since 2024, which will continue over the coming years. These initiatives include community resilience enhancement, emergency primary education support, emergency health assistance, social safety nets, and emergency response programs.
The delegation also announced Bank approval for a new project in clean energy and digitalization in Sudan. Emphasis was placed on establishing a joint coordinating unit within the Ministry of Finance to manage the World Bank portfolio, ensuring direct coordination with implementing partners and relevant ministries to improve project performance and sustainability.