Sudan approves emergency 2026 budget targeting 9% growth
December 30, 2025 (PORT SUDAN) – The Sudanese cabinet approved an emergency draft budget for the 2026 fiscal year on Tuesday, aiming for an ambitious 9% growth in gross domestic product despite the country’s ongoing conflict.
The budget, presented by the Ministry of Finance during a session chaired by Prime Minister Kamil Idris, targets a reduction in average inflation to 65% over the coming year. Idris described the fiscal plan as a “historical miracle” given the exceptional circumstances, praising efforts to control spending and manage public resources while increasing revenues.
Finance Minister Gibril Ibrahim said the budget is unconventional, focusing on mobilizing domestic resources and expanding the revenue base without imposing new tax burdens on citizens.
The plan includes provisions to improve wages, salaries, and pensions, as well as to create entry-level civil service positions. It also commits to full payment of health insurance and pension entitlements, with plans to expand health coverage to more families and promote local medical treatment.
Ibrahim noted that the budget prioritizes spending on security and the “Battle of Dignity,” ensuring the needs of the military and regular forces are met. It also focuses on maintaining essential services such as water, electricity, health, and education, particularly in war-affected states.
The 2026 budget allocates resources for the return of citizens to their homes and the rehabilitation of the federal ministry headquarters in the capital. Regarding regional governance, the minister affirmed a commitment to transferring the states’ share of public revenues based on actual collection.
The fiscal plan further addresses the needs of displaced persons and refugees in neighbouring countries and allocates developmental spending to vital sectors, including technical and vocational education. It also aims to rehabilitate the industrial sector and support small and medium-sized enterprises.
Ibrahim revealed that the budget builds on economic and structural reforms initiated in 2025. He noted that the previous year’s performance exceeded expectations, with public revenues reaching 147% of targets despite the challenges of the war.
The ministry has also moved forward with digitalization, implementing an electronic collection and payment system across all revenue entities. The 2026 budget will continue to fund the agricultural sector, including the Gezira Scheme, by providing seeds, fertilizers, and fuel, as well as supporting the rehabilitation of Khartoum airport.