Minister of Finance: The War Forced Us into Harsh Austerity Measures

Minister of Finance Dr. Jibril Ibrahim stated that the war imposed extraordinary conditions on the ministry, necessitating exceptional measures. He affirmed that the first Economic Conference aims to evaluate the policies adopted by the Ministry of Finance through transparent dialogue prioritizing the interests of the nation and its citizens. Dr. Ibrahim emphasized that addressing the economic challenges requires precise and in-depth analyses involving experts and specialists familiar with the needs of ordinary citizens.

Speaking on Tuesday at the opening session of the first Economic Conference addressing the challenges of war, Dr. Ibrahim highlighted that the conference aims to analyze the current economic situation and propose solutions. He noted that the war struck while the country was on the verge of economic reforms, including infrastructure development and investments in human capital.

He lamented that the conflict derailed these ambitious plans, forcing the government into harsh austerity measures. Not only were revenue sources lost, but significant human capital and critical national data and archives were also destroyed. However, he pointed out that the strength of the rural economy and the reliance of many citizens on agricultural and livestock production helped sustain the national economy, preventing the collapse anticipated by Sudan’s adversaries.

Dr. Ibrahim described last season’s agricultural output as excellent by all standards and revealed preparations underway for the winter planting season to ensure its success, boost public revenues, and support the economic sector. He pledged to meet 100% of all employee entitlements in the 2025 budget.

The minister emphasized the importance of implementing financial federalism to complement political federalism. He disclosed that the government is developing a comprehensive economic vision for post-war reconstruction, assessing the extent of destruction in vital sectors, and studying the experiences of similar countries. The resulting plan is being designed as an international document for global presentation. He concluded by underscoring his commitment to the conference’s outcomes and their implementation.