Sudan central bank eases forex curbs to stabilize currency

August 25, 2026 (KHARTOUM) – Sudan’s central bank on Monday gave commercial banks greater leeway to set their own exchange rates and buy export earnings, revoking earlier curbs in an effort to stabilize a tumbling currency.

The move comes as the Sudanese pound faces severe volatility and steep losses against foreign currencies on the parallel market, prompting authorities to try to anchor trading to market forces.

The central bank said in a circular, seen by Sudan Tribune, that the measures reaffirm its commitment to a liberalized exchange rate regime.

Under the new rules, commercial lenders may adjust their published rates at any time during the day, provided the updated prices are displayed on exchange boards before transactions take place.

Banks are also permitted to purchase export proceeds at their posted rates based on supply and demand.

The directive repeals several earlier restrictions, including a Jan. 14 circular amending 2022 currency regulations and two circulars issued earlier this month regarding foreign exchange market stability.

If a commercial bank declines to buy offered export proceeds, it must coordinate with the central bank’s financial markets directorate to complete the transaction and ensure timely settlement, the regulator said.

The rules take effect immediately across all bank branches.

Moatasem Mohamed Saleh, secretary-general of the Gold Exporters Chamber, told Sudan Tribune the regulatory changes were overdue.

He said the Federation of Chambers of Commerce had repeatedly lobbied the central bank to scrap the previous restrictions.