Expectations of Imminent Breakthrough in Sudanese Banks’ Dealings with Foreign Lenders
Abdel Moneim Mohamed Al-Tayeb, Director of the government-owned Omdurman National Bank, announced an imminent breakthrough in Sudanese banks’ dealings with foreign financial institutions, affirming that the move would facilitate financial transfers and international trade after years of isolation and disruption imposed by the war.
He explained that the bank has initiated procedures to open accounts with three correspondent banks in one country, with further efforts underway to establish additional correspondent relationships within the next one to two months—steps aimed at gradually reintegrating Sudan into the global financial system.
Al-Tayeb also disclosed that the bank has allocated 500 million Sudanese pounds to support Sudanese universities through the purchase of teaching boards, representing more than half of the bank’s corporate social responsibility budget for 2026.
These developments come at a time when a large segment of Sudanese citizens rely on the “Bankak” application, affiliated with Bank of Khartoum, to send money from abroad, despite recurring technical difficulties and service disruptions caused by weak internet connectivity and heavy usage.
The recent steps signal the beginning of practical efforts to reconnect Sudan to the international banking system, following setbacks to gains previously achieved through integration into the SWIFT and International Bank Account Number systems after the outbreak of war 34 months ago.
