The African Development Bank Group (AfDB) has approved a $19.85 million grant over two years to support a humanitarian and resilience operation in Sudan. The project aims to improve the livelihoods of vulnerable populations and mitigate the impact of the ongoing conflict on communities and infrastructure.
The Crisis Response for Women and Affected Communities in Sudan project, co-financed by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), will focus on training and mobilizing frontline workers such as health professionals, water and sanitation specialists, and market facilitators. Additionally, the project will restore health facilities, emergency centers, and rehabilitate water and energy systems in conflict zones.
Emergency food aid, including staples like lentils, sorghum, tea leaves, and sugar, will be delivered to 60,000 people. Farming inputs like fertilizers and seeds will be provided to support livelihoods, with a focus on women and survivors of gender-based violence. The project is expected to benefit 1.5 million Sudanese, with a majority of households led by women.
Dr. Beth Dunford, the Bank’s Vice President for Agriculture, Human and Social Development, emphasized the importance of peace, security, and stability for Sudanese communities to thrive. The project aims to restore social services and economic opportunities to vulnerable communities while promoting inclusive and resilient economic activities.
The Bank’s Transition Support Facility (TSF) is financing the project, which goes beyond short-term humanitarian interventions to invest in long-term resilience and sustainable development. The project adopts a humanitarian-development-peace nexus approach, blending urgent relief with efforts to lay the foundation for long-term development and peace.
The International Committee of the Red Cross will leverage its operational experience and presence in Sudan to scale up sustainable solutions and strengthen the capacities of the Sudanese Red Crescent Society. Policy dialogue will be crucial to ensure women’s participation in conflict prevention and crisis management.
Overall, the project represents a strategic effort to support Sudan’s stabilization through coordinated and joint efforts that combine immediate relief with long-term development and stability. By addressing the conflict with a focus on food security and livelihood support, the project aims to pave the way for inclusive development and lasting peace in Sudan.
