Sudan central bank restores national electronic payment network

August 6, 2026 (KHARTOUM) – The Bank of Sudan has officially reactivated its national electronic payment switch after more than three years of war-induced disruption, state media reported on Thursday, taking a key step toward restoring the country’s shattered financial infrastructure.

The ongoing conflict between the Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has severely damaged banking infrastructure, resulting in widespread looting of branches and the collapse of electronic payment networks, including ATMs and interbank transfers.

First Deputy Governor Al-Muatasim Abdullah Ahmed launched the restored service alongside officials from the Electronic Banking Services company (EBS), the central bank’s technical arm.

Omdurman National Bank became the first financial institution reconnected to the national switch, completing a successful test cash withdrawal at an ATM. Central bank officials plan to connect all remaining operational banks sequentially.

Officials described the switch as a sovereign platform that will allow interbank money transfers, support retail payments such as electricity purchases, and help reactivate point-of-sale terminals across the country.

EBS General Manager Saif Al-Din Hassan Barri said technical teams will continue working with local banks to expand the network and build an integrated digital payment system.

Rebuilding digital banking capabilities is seen as vital for stabilizing commerce, facilitating relief aid transactions, and improving financial inclusion after years of economic paralysis.