Sudan finance ministry tightens 2026 budget controls amid war

January 29, 2026 (KHARTOUM)  – Sudan’s Ministry of Finance announced new controls on Thursday for implementing the 2026 budget, requiring federal ministries and state companies to obtain prior approval for spending and procurement as the government seeks to tighten financial oversight during the ongoing conflict.

The regulations, issued by Finance Undersecretary Abdullah Ibrahim, follow approval of an emergency budget last week by the Sovereign Council and cabinet during their first joint meeting in Khartoum since the war erupted in April 2023.

The circular aims to combat off-budget revenue practices and mandate that government bodies rationalize spending in line with national priorities, the ministry said in a statement. All procurement and contracting activities must now obtain prior approval from the finance ministry.

The ministry banned revenue collection through unofficial channels, mandating the use of approved electronic payment systems, and prohibited new fees or tariff modifications without the finance minister’s explicit consent.

January 2026 salaries will be processed based on December 2025 payroll records, with any changes to organizational structures requiring ministerial and cabinet approval.

Prime Minister Kamil Idris said on Dec. 30 that the 2026 emergency budget targets GDP growth of 9 per cent and aims to reduce annual inflation to 65 per cent, though the government has released few detailed figures since the conflict began, with most resources directed toward military operations and salaries.

The ministry also directed public corporations to comply with the 2003 Public Corporations Act and 2023 amendments, expanding its authority over state enterprises. Externally funded projects must be approved by the Finance Ministry and included in the national plan before implementation.