The Return of the National Electronic Payments System… A Step Toward Recovery or a Real Test of the Sustainability of Digital Transformation in Sudan
Dr. Marwa Fouad Qabbani
After nearly three years of suspension following the outbreak of war in April 2023, the Central Bank of Sudan has announced the resumption of operations of the National Electronic Payments System (the National Switching System for Clearing and Settlement). This move is expected to reactivate interbank transfers and restore payment services through banking applications, point-of-sale terminals, and automated teller machines.
This return comes at a time when Sudan’s economy is facing unprecedented challenges. The shutdown of the system had led to widespread paralysis in the banking sector, disruption of citizens’ daily transactions, and a renewed reliance on cash—along with the economic and security risks and costs that entails.
A Technical Achievement Under Exceptional Circumstances
The significance of restoring national systems under wartime conditions and amid severe infrastructure constraints cannot be underestimated. It reflects a substantial effort by national technical cadres and their ability to operate under intense pressure. However, despite its importance, this achievement raises a fundamental question:
Are we witnessing a temporary resumption of services, or the beginning of a deep-rooted reform of Sudan’s electronic payments ecosystem?
The crisis exposed the fragility of the digital infrastructure and its excessive dependence on centralized systems, in the absence of clear disaster recovery and business continuity plans. The shutdown of a single switch was enough to cripple the entire financial system—a lesson that cannot be ignored if Sudan seeks to build a resilient banking sector capable of withstanding future shocks.
The crisis also revealed deep-seated challenges within commercial banks themselves. Some banks still rely on outdated core banking systems that face serious difficulties in modernization and integration with new national platforms. This results in high costs, lengthy timelines, and limited capacity for innovation and the delivery of advanced digital services to customers.
Digital Sustainability After the Restart
The next phase requires a shift from the logic of merely “restoring services” to one of digital sustainability. This entails building a flexible infrastructure that relies on alternative solutions such as cloud and hybrid data centers, while strengthening cybersecurity frameworks and data governance to ensure service continuity even in worst-case scenarios.
At the same time, the development of the electronic payments ecosystem must progress in parallel with digital identity and electronic authentication projects, as well as the unification of government platforms. Such integration would enhance financial inclusion, reduce dependence on cash, and improve the efficiency of public service delivery.
The Role of the State and Institutional Governance
The state’s digital transformation plan—led by the Ministry of Digital Transformation and the computerization of institutions and public bodies—represents a genuine opportunity to rebuild the digital ecosystem on sound foundations. The establishment of specialized bodies in artificial intelligence, data, and cybersecurity could also add significant value, provided they are deployed within a unified national vision serving Sudan’s digital transformation agenda.
Conversely, it becomes imperative for the Central Bank to adopt clear policies obligating banks to upgrade their core banking systems in line with unified technical standards. Such measures would ensure rapid integration and readiness for the next phase, which is expected to witness large-scale digital transformation across multiple sectors.
Between Opportunity and Challenge
The return of the National Electronic Payments System represents a rare opportunity to turn crisis into a launchpad for comprehensive reform. The success of this step should not be measured merely by the restoration of services, but by the ability of the state and banking institutions to build a sustainable digital ecosystem driven by strategic planning and supported by qualified national expertise.
Digital transformation in Sudan is no longer a technological luxury; it has become a fundamental pillar of economic stability and the foundation for building a safer and more resilient future.
