The African Development Bank (www.AfDB.org) has assured Sudan of its continuous support in providing humanitarian and economic assistance, as well as addressing other priority needs during the country’s ongoing civil conflict.
Rufus N. Darkortey, the Executive Director of the Bank representing The Gambia, Ghana, Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Sudan, reiterated this commitment during discussions with Sudan’s Finance Minister and African Development Bank Governor, Dr. Gebreil Ibrahim Mohamed Fediel.
“The Bank will persist in supporting Sudan in reducing fragility, stabilizing the economy, and promoting recovery,” stated Darkortey, recognizing the severe impact of the conflict on the nation. The meeting, held in Cairo, Egypt, in light of the civil conflict in Sudan, primarily focused on the Bank’s ongoing assistance for Sudan, identifying new priorities, and discussing humanitarian aid.
While acknowledging efforts to facilitate aid access in Darfur, Darkortey advocated for increased access across the entire country. He also emphasized the need to safeguard investments in Sudan financed by the Bank and development partners during the conflict, commending the results of the recent humanitarian donor conference in Paris where $2.13 billion was pledged for Sudan.
The Executive Director informed Governor Fediel that the African Development Bank is supporting Sudan both nationally and regionally. The Bank approved $74 million for the Sudan Emergency Wheat Production project, being implemented by the World Food Program to enhance food security and wheat production, aiming for Sudan to become a net exporter of wheat eventually.
Additionally, the Bank has allocated $1 million from its Special Relief Fund to aid humanitarian and food security initiatives for internally displaced persons, refugees, and vulnerable communities.
At the regional level, the Bank is co-financing a $36.4 million emergency project to assist the stabilization and recovery of refugees and host communities in the Lake Chad Basin. There are also plans for further regional support concerning the displacement crisis caused by Sudan’s conflict. Minister Fediel expressed appreciation to the Bank and its President, Dr. Akinwumi A. Adesina, for their robust support in helping the nation fulfill its immediate requirements.
Both officials thanked the Bank’s Sudan Country Office for its leadership during this difficult period and expressed gratitude to the Egypt Office for hosting the mission.
Darkortey also held a meeting with Sudan Country Office staff, confirming the Bank’s continuous support for their well-being.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB).
Contact:
Kwasi Kpodo
Communication and External Relations
media@afdb.org
About the African Development Bank Group:
The African Development Bank Group (AfDB) is the leading multilateral financing institution dedicated to Africa’s development. It consists of three entities: the African Development Bank (AfDB), the African Development Fund (ADF), and the Nigeria Trust Fund (NSF). The AfDB has a presence in 41 African countries, with an external office in Japan, and contributes to the economic development and social progress of its 54 regional member states. For more information: www.AfDB.org