The African Development Bank Group and the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) have signed a $62 million grant agreement to help rebuild essential social infrastructure and restore basic services in conflict-affected areas of Sudan.
The Sudan Integrated Social Sector Infrastructure Rehabilitation Project (SISSIRP) aims to rehabilitate 20 healthcare facilities, 20 vocational training institutions, and 60 water and sanitation systems across four states -- Al Jazira, River Nile, Sennar, and White Nile.
The project will also strengthen local capacity by training 1,000 government technical officers and 6,000 community members - half of them women - in facility management while developing a labour market information system to enhance youth employability. The initiative is expected to directly benefit roughly 2.15 million Sudanese.
The agreement was signed in Nairobi, Kenya, marking a major step in joint efforts to support Sudan's recovery and resilience amid ongoing instability.
"This project is a lifeline for Sudan's communities," said Mary Monyau, the African Development Bank's Country Manager for Sudan. "It reflects the African Development Bank's unwavering commitment to support recovery, resilience, and human dignity. The Bank's partnership with IOM underscores the power of collaboration in fragile contexts--combining resources, expertise, and compassion to deliver real impact where it is most needed."
The project will be implemented by the IOM, which has an extensive field presence and experience operating in conflict zones.
Mohamed Refaat, IOM's Chief of Mission in Port Sudan, expressed enthusiasm about the project. "We are proud to partner with the Bank on this project, and excited to launch the capacity building and training that will provide opportunities for Sudanese youth," he said.
The project aligns with the African Development Bank's Ten-Year Strategy (2024-2033), which prioritises building resilient economies and human capital development. It also contributes directly to multiple United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, including health, education, clean water and sanitation, decent work and economic growth.
