The African Development Bank (AfDB) has reassured Sudan of its continued support in providing humanitarian and economic assistance while addressing other priority needs amid the country’s ongoing civil conflict.
In a statement on Thursday in Abidjan, the Bank approved $74 million for the Sudan Emergency Wheat Production project.
TheNewsZenith reports that the World Food Programme (WFP) is implementing the project. It is aimed at enhancing food security and wheat production.
Rufus N. Darkortey, the AfDB’s Executive Director, representing The Gambia, Ghana, Liberia, Sierra Leone and Sudan, reaffirmed this commitment.
Darkortey announced the commitment during discussions with Sudan’s Finance Minister and Governor of the African Development Bank, Dr Gebreil Ibrahim Mohamed Fediel.
“The Bank will continue to support Sudan in reducing fragility, stabilising the economy and fostering recovery,” Darkortey said.
He acknowledged the severe impact of the conflict on the country.
The meeting was held in Cairo, Egypt, rather than Sudan due to the ongoing civil conflict. It focused on the Bank’s ongoing support for Sudan.
Discussion at the meeting also identified new priorities and humanitarian aid.
While recognising efforts to grant aid access in Darfur, Darkortey called for expanded access nationwide.
He also urged the protection of investments, financed and developed by AfDB and development partners during the conflict.
The Executive Director lauded the outcome of the recent humanitarian donor conference in Paris, where donors pledged $2.13 billion for Sudan.
Darkortey informed Governor Fediel that the AfDB “is supporting Sudan both at national and regional levels.
“The Bank approved $74 million for the Sudan Emergency Wheat Production project under the World Food Programme. The project will enhance food security and wheat production.
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“This project aims to assist Sudan in becoming a net exporter of wheat in the long run.”
AfDB has also committed $1 million, from its Special Relief Fund, to support humanitarian and food security efforts for internally displaced persons, refugees and vulnerable communities.
Regionally, the Bank is co-financing a $36.4 million emergency project to support the stabilisation and recovery of refugees and host communities in the Lake Chad Basin.
It is also exploring further regional support for the displacement crisis resulting from Sudan’s conflict.
Minister Fediel expressed gratitude to the Bank and its President, Dr Akinwumi Adesina, for their robust support in helping the nation meet its immediate needs.
He emphasised the need for continued humanitarian assistance and technical support to assess the conflict’s impact as peace is established.
With the farming season approaching, he called on the Bank to provide urgent agricultural support, including seeds and fertilisers.
Fediel pledged the government’s commitment to a stronger African Development Bank. He said Sudan would ensure the settlement of the her debt arrears.
He reaffirmed the country’s commitment to financially contribute to the ADF-17 replenishment cycle starting in 2025.
This is as pledged in a constituency memorandum signed in 2023.
The memorandum outlines plans for enhancing domestic resource mobilisation and advancing SME-led private sector growth in constituency member countries.
Both officials thanked the AfDB’s Sudan Country Office for its leadership during this challenging period. They also expressed gratitude to the Egypt Office for hosting the mission.
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