Sudan exempts solar power systems from customs fees amid power crisis

August 4, 2026 (KHARTOUM) – Sudan has fully exempted solar energy systems from customs duties to help ease a worsening electricity crisis, authorities said on Tuesday.

The move follows public backlash over equipment fees as widespread blackouts continue across multiple states.

The Customs Force Media Department said in a statement on Tuesday that solar systems are fully exempt from customs duties to encourage alternative energy adoption and lower costs for importers and investors.

The decision comes as severe power cuts hit Khartoum, Northern, and River Nile states after a fire damaged main power lines at the Merowe Dam hydroelectric plant, knocking it offline.

The Ministry of Energy and Petroleum said on Monday that power had been partially restored to critical infrastructure and some residential areas in Khartoum, with replacement parts for the dam expected within three days.

The Ministry of Energy had previously launched an investigation into the cause of the fire.

In mid-July, the Electricity Regulatory Authority defended separate inspection and technical fees on solar imports, calling them nominal and necessary to stop low-quality or non-compliant equipment from entering the country.