CAIRO – The African Development Bank (AfDB) has approved $74 million in funding for the Sudan Emergency Wheat Production project, signaling a crucial step in addressing food security challenges amid the country’s ongoing civil conflict.
Implemented by the World Food Program, the initiative aims to bolster food security and ramp up wheat production in Sudan, a region grappling with the devastating effects of conflict.
Rufus N. Darkortey, the Bank’s Executive Director representing The Gambia, Ghana, Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Sudan, reiterated the Bank’s unwavering commitment to supporting Sudan during these turbulent times.
“The Bank remains steadfast in its dedication to assisting Sudan in reducing fragility, stabilizing its economy, and facilitating recovery,” stated Darkortey, acknowledging the profound impact of the conflict on the nation.
Discussions between Darkortey and Sudan’s Finance Minister and Governor of the African Development Bank, Dr. Gebreil Ibrahim Mohamed Fediel, were held in Cairo, Egypt, given the ongoing civil strife. The focus was on the Bank’s sustained aid to Sudan, identifying new priorities, and addressing humanitarian concerns.
Emphasizing the imperative of broadening aid access nationwide, particularly in Darfur, Darkortey underscored the necessity of safeguarding investments in Sudan financed by the Bank and other development partners during the conflict.
Commending the outcomes of the recent humanitarian donor conference in Paris, where $2.13 billion was pledged for Sudan, Darkortey highlighted the Bank’s support for Sudan at both national and regional levels.
In addition to the $74 million allocated for the Sudan Emergency Wheat Production project, the Bank has committed $1 million from its Special Relief Fund to bolster humanitarian and food security efforts.
Regionally, the Bank is co-financing a $36.4 million emergency project aimed at stabilizing and aiding the recovery of refugees and host communities in the Lake Chad Basin. Further regional support to address displacement crises stemming from Sudan’s conflict is also being explored.
Minister Fediel expressed gratitude to the Bank and its President, Dr. Akinwumi A. Adesina, for their significant assistance in helping Sudan address its immediate needs. He stressed the importance of continued humanitarian aid and technical support as peace efforts progress.
With the farming season approaching, Minister Fediel urged the Bank to promptly provide agricultural support, including seeds and fertilizers.
Governor Fediel reaffirmed the government’s commitment to settling Sudan’s debt arrears and pledged Sudan’s financial contribution to the ADF-17 replenishment cycle starting in 2025, in line with a constituency memorandum signed in 2023.
Both officials extended appreciation to the Bank’s Sudan Country Office for its leadership during these challenging times and expressed gratitude to the Egypt Office for hosting the mission.
Darkortey also met with the staff of the Bank’s Sudan Country Office, reaffirming the Bank’s steadfast support for their well-being.
