Central bank builds foreign exchange and gold reserves
December 28, 2025 (KHARTOUM) – The Central Bank of Sudan (CBoS) has begun accumulating foreign currency and gold reserves to bolster a new monetary policy aimed at achieving macroeconomic stability.
The move comes as the Sudanese pound continues a sharp decline against major currencies, fuelled by collapsing production, stagnant exports, and the fallout of the war between the army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) that began in April 2023. The local currency is currently trading in the parallel market at 3,360-3,550 per U.S. dollar.
Speaking to Sudan Tribune, the central bank said its 2026 policy framework centres on a strategic roadmap to rebuild the banking sector and secure sustainable economic stability.
Curbing inflation remains the top priority, the bank said, adding it would work closely with the Ministry of Finance to stabilize the exchange rate through liquidity management and an increased supply of foreign exchange.
Governor Amna Mirghani, meeting with commercial bank heads in Port Sudan on Monday, characterized the 2026 plan under the theme: “From Resilience to Recovery: Building a Resilient Financial Future.”
The policy package focuses on upgrading infrastructure by strengthening payment systems and accelerating digital transformation. It also mandates strict compliance with anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing standards while promoting financial inclusion by allocating at least 12% of credit portfolios to microfinance to broaden the economic base.
Mirghani said the bank is developing an early warning system to shield the financial sector from future shocks and protect “monetary sovereignty.” Credit will be prioritized for productive sectors, exports, pharmaceuticals, and reconstruction efforts.
The governor also confirmed the successful build-up of gold and foreign currency reserves, which she said would give the bank more leverage to stabilize the economy.
The head of the Banking Union said at the meeting that the sector had “surpassed the shock” of the war’s initial impact on infrastructure and pledged full cooperation with the central bank’s new directives.