Sudan finance minister, international bodies discuss funding for summer agricultural season
June 8, 2026 (KHARTOUM) – Sudan’s Minister of Finance on Monday held talks with international and regional financial institutions to secure funding for the 2026-2027 summer agricultural season, a move aimed at boosting food security and supporting agricultural production.
Sudan faces major obstacles ahead of the agricultural season, including soaring costs of production inputs and fuel, a lack of financing, and a shortage of improved seeds.
“Finance Minister Gibril Ibrahim chaired a meeting on Monday in Port Sudan with several international and regional financial institutions to discuss financing arrangements for the summer agricultural season and monitor the implementation of the Port Sudan water project,” the finance ministry said.
The meeting focused on providing urgent financing for essential agricultural inputs, including improved seeds, fertilizers, fuel, and pesticides. Discussions prioritized strategic food crops, primarily sorghum and millet, as part of efforts to enhance food security and increase agricultural output.
The meeting was attended by Red Sea State Governor Mustafa Mohamed Nour, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation Fatima Rahma, World Food Programme (WFP) Representative in Sudan Abdallah Alwardat, African Development Bank (AfDB) Country Manager for Sudan David Mokoto, and Deputy Director of the Agricultural Bank of Sudan Omar Abdel Shafi.
Participating via video link were AfDB Regional Director Alex Mubiru, along with specialists from the finance and agriculture ministries, the AfDB, and the WFP.
The participants reviewed progress on a wheat production project in producing states, implemented as part of an integrated program funded by the AfDB. The second phase of the project, valued at $100 million, is being executed by the WFP.
The finance minister praised the AfDB’s continuous support across various development sectors, emphasizing that the current phase requires urgent backing to secure the agricultural season’s needs and ensure sustainable food security.
The AfDB reiterated its commitment to supporting food security and agricultural development projects in Sudan in coordination with development partners.
The meeting reviewed reports on the wheat project and the Food and Agriculture Systems Resilience Project, both funded by the AfDB with a total value of $142 million. The Ministry of Agriculture also presented a detailed report outlining urgent input requirements for the upcoming summer season.
Additionally, officials reviewed administrative and operational arrangements for the Port Sudan water project, which is funded by the AfDB with $51 million and implemented by UNICEF to enhance drinking water services in the city.
The meeting follows up on discussions between the finance minister and AfDB leadership on the sidelines of the bank’s annual meetings held from May 25-29, 2026, in Brazzaville, aimed at accelerating development projects and boosting funding for Sudan’s economic and service priorities.