Sudan resumes electronic check clearing after war-driven hiatus

December 18, 2025 (KHARTOUM) – Sudan’s central bank on Thursday resumed its electronic check clearing system for local currency, ending a suspension that began when war broke out in April 2023.

The central bank said in a circular that clearing operations will initially take place twice a week, on Sundays and Wednesdays, until further notice.

The resumption is restricted to a new edition of checks featuring enhanced security markers and QR codes, as mandated by a March 2024 directive. The bank said the move is part of efforts to restore stability to a financial sector hit by “exceptional circumstances” and widespread looting in Khartoum and Darfur.

To ensure liquidity, the central bank ordered commercial banks to contribute to an interbank management fund to cover settlements. It also authorized banks to sell foreign currency to the central bank at the official daily rate to bolster their local currency accounts.

Economic and trade sectors expect the move to revitalize commercial activity, which has been severely hampered for over two years.

First launched in 2007, the electronic clearing system is designed to improve cash circulation and speed up collection procedures. The central bank hopes the relaunch will support monetary stability and help curb inflation as it works to stabilize the Sudanese pound.