The African Development Bank Group (AfDB) has taken a decisive step to address the escalating humanitarian crisis in Sudan by approving a $19.85 million grant aimed at supporting the most vulnerable populations in conflict-affected regions. This two-year initiative, titled the Crisis Response for Women and Affected Communities in Sudan, places a particular emphasis on empowering women, restoring essential services, and fostering long-term resilience.
Targeted Support for Women and Vulnerable Communities
The project, co-financed by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), is designed to deliver both immediate humanitarian relief and sustainable development. It will train and mobilize frontline workers—including health professionals, water and sanitation specialists, and market facilitators—to restore up to five health facilities and four emergency centers in conflict zones. Additionally, the initiative will rehabilitate critical water and energy systems in both urban and rural settings.
Emergency food aid, such as lentils, sorghum, tea leaves, and sugar, will be distributed to those in need. This year alone, approximately 60,000 people will receive farming inputs like fertilizers and seeds, supporting food security and agricultural livelihoods. Cash grants will be provided to support women, their dependents, and survivors of gender-based violence, ensuring that the most at-risk groups receive targeted assistance.
Impact and Reach
The project is expected to benefit 1.5 million Sudanese, or about 265,000 households, with a majority of these households led by women. Internally displaced persons (IDPs) and host communities will also receive support. The AfDB has classified this initiative as “Category 1” on its Gender Marker System, underscoring its principal objective of advancing gender equality and women’s empowerment.
“Peace, security and stability are urgently needed for Sudanese communities to reach their full potential,” said Dr. Beth Dunford, AfDB Vice President for Agriculture, Human and Social Development. “The Crisis Response for Women and Affected Communities in Sudan project will help restore social services and economic opportunities to some of the country’s most vulnerable communities. The Bank financing will also strategically promote inclusive and resilient economic activities, intentionally contributing to peacebuilding.”
Long-Term Resilience and Peacebuilding
The grant is financed through the Bank’s Transition Support Facility (TSF), which provides concessional resources to countries facing fragility and conflict. The project adopts a humanitarian-development-peace nexus approach, blending urgent relief with efforts to lay the groundwork for long-term development and stability. The ICRC, leveraging its extensive experience and presence in Sudan, will implement the project in collaboration with the Sudanese Red Crescent Society, focusing on sustainable solutions and capacity building.
The ICRC will also promote respect for International Humanitarian Law, a cornerstone for protecting civilian infrastructure and assets in conflict-affected areas. This approach ensures that humanitarian interventions are aligned with international standards and contribute to the protection of vulnerable populations.
Context: The Humanitarian Crisis in Sudan
Sudan is currently facing one of the world’s most severe humanitarian crises. According to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), over 11 million people have been internally displaced, and an additional 3.8 million—mostly women and children—have fled to neighboring countries since the outbreak of conflict in April 2023. The ongoing violence has devastated infrastructure, disrupted livelihoods, and left millions in urgent need of food, water, healthcare, and protection.
The AfDB’s intervention aligns with broader international efforts, including those led by the United Nations and the World Bank, to stabilize Sudan and support its path toward recovery and peace. Coordinated policy dialogue and inclusive participation—especially of women—in conflict prevention and crisis management are recognized as essential for sustainable peace and development.
The African Development Bank’s $19.85 million grant represents a critical lifeline for Sudan’s most vulnerable communities. By prioritizing women’s empowerment, restoring essential services, and investing in long-term resilience, the initiative offers hope for recovery and sustainable peace in a country deeply affected by conflict. Continued international cooperation and support will be vital to ensure that Sudan’s path to stability and development remains on course.
