ADB Commends Ministry of Finance’s Public Finance Reform Initiative

Port Sudan – Sudanhorizon

The African Development Bank (ADB) mission, currently visiting Sudan, has reviewed the details of the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning initiative to reform public finances. The Ministry stated that it began developing a comprehensive road-map for reform in the last quarter of 2021, and its implementation is proceeding in phases, starting with the drafting of the Public Finance Law.

During his meeting with the Bank’s mission, headed by the Regional Director for East Africa, on Saturday at the Ministries Complex in Port Sudan, the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Finance, Mr. Abdullah Ibrahim, outlined the Ministry’s implementation of the electronic collection and payment system (Esali) since July 2024. This system was developed under the supervision of the Sovereign Council and utilized national expertise from all relevant sectors, with full funding from the Ministry of Finance, without the assistance of any foreign experts or external funding.

The Undersecretary provided a detailed explanation of the forecast benefits of implementing the Esali system in reforming public finances, improving the state’s financial performance, enforcing transparency, and strengthening the Ministry’s oversight of public funds. A press release issued by the Ministry of Finance stated that the mission commended the Ministry’s initiative to reform public finances, describing it as an unprecedented achievement given the ongoing war in Sudan. The head of the mission indicated that the accomplishments reflect the government’s improved capacity to manage and implement the budget and funded projects efficiently, which encourages the bank to implement projects through government entities.

The mission praised the competence of the Sudanese cadres and expertise who implemented the initiative and its framework, affirming that their skills are comparable to those of professionals working in regional and international financial institutions.

It was emphasized that the initiative represents a positive step towards enhancing the efficiency of public spending and improving resource management, thereby strengthening partnerships with regional and international financial institutions.

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