Mobile Payments Now—Now

Mohammed Abdel Rahim Jawish

The Sudanese economy experienced significant growth and notable increases in gross domestic product following the export of oil. However, the failure to fully transition to electronic payment systems has remained one of the financial system’s key weaknesses, leaving it lagging behind modern developments. From time to time, shortages of banknotes—what is commonly referred to as a “cash crisis”—emerge, negatively affecting market activity, production, and everyday life.
Despite the spread of banking applications, they have stalled at a certain threshold and have been unable to achieve full transformation. A substantial portion of commercial activity continues to rely on the physical exchange of banknotes—cash, in the language of the marketplace—even in sectors that handle large sums, such as livestock trade, real estate, and agricultural production. When the war broke out, many businesspeople and citizens suffered significant losses because they kept their money, or a large portion of it, in safes at home or in offices, where it was looted.
Within days of the outbreak of war, the availability of banknotes became a pressing issue, and the problem has persisted as the conflict approaches its third year. It is worth recalling that the currency printing press, the Central Bank of Sudan, and banks in general were among the first targets of the Rapid Support Forces militia from the very first shots fired.
Banking applications have performed commendably in attempting to bridge the gap and keep markets and daily life moving. However, they have notable weaknesses, particularly in our current environment. They depend on internet connectivity, which itself has been severely affected by the war. They require customers to have bank accounts—something many ordinary citizens do not possess. Moreover, these applications require smartphones, which remain beyond the financial reach of some segments of the population.
In addition, most daily transactions now depend on a single dominant banking application, despite the existence of others. This application frequently suffers from congestion, leading to failed transactions, halting buying and selling, and disrupting services in vital sectors.
The most effective and efficient solution is the introduction of mobile money systems. A number of countries have adopted this approach under conditions similar to ours and achieved remarkable results, even in environments with high illiteracy rates and weaker infrastructure than Sudan’s in many respects. Nearby examples include Somalia, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Bangladesh.
The primary advantage of mobile money is that it does not rely on banking applications, internet access, or smartphones. Its operational cost for users is lower, as it requires only basic mobile network coverage with SMS capability—the minimum service available across all networks alongside voice calls. Payments are made via SMS or USSD codes, making the system accessible to the majority of citizens and promoting financial inclusion and a full transition to electronic payments.
This system is not a substitute for banking applications; rather, it complements them and reduces pressure on them. Egypt, one of Africa’s largest economies, provides a clear example where banking applications and mobile money systems operated by telecommunications companies function side by side.
Banking applications will remain necessary for large-scale transactions, while mobile money will be used for small, quick transactions such as purchases at bakeries, transport payments, and purchases at small shops and kiosks, and for customers not linked to the formal banking system.
Over the past decade, several attempts were made to introduce mobile payment systems in Sudan. Telecommunications companies launched initiatives, announced services at various times, and prepared the technical infrastructure. However, for several reasons, the state hesitated to authorise full implementation. Even airtime transfer services—which had served as an informal alternative for money transfers during cash shortages—were restricted.
Today, the system exists technically, but it remains unclear who holds the reins: is it the Central Bank of Sudan, or the companies themselves? Technical readiness alone is insufficient if the public is unaware of the service or does not actively use it.
Adopting and promoting mobile money now is not an option; it is an urgent necessity to ease people’s lives and support economic recovery, which requires powerful tools to compensate for the war period. It also represents a valuable opportunity to achieve strategic change by transitioning to electronic payments. Sometimes what we resist may, in fact, be for our own good.
Citizens need effective, immediate solutions. Fortunately, decision-making within the current state structure may be easier than ever before, given the reduced institutional complexity.
To those in authority: mobile payments now—now. History does not offer the same opportunity twice.

Shortlink: https://sudanhorizon.com/?p=11228