Sudan calls for urgent climate funding amid drought threat

Sudan's Finance Minister Gibril Ibrahim on Wednesday urged international financial institutions to provide urgent climate funding as drought and erratic rainfall threaten agricultural production and food security.

Speaking during African Caucus meetings in Bangkok, Ibrahim called on the World Bank and International Monetary Fund (IMF) to move beyond pledges and provide affordable financing to help vulnerable countries protect crops and support rural communities.

He also urged the institutions to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the potential impact of El Nino and rainfall shortages on Sudan's agricultural season.

IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva said the Fund was assessing conditions in affected countries to determine potential impacts and financing needs.

Ibrahim also raised concerns about rising fuel and fertilizer costs linked to supply disruptions and regional tensions, warning of further pressure on farmers and food supplies. He called for international cooperation to ensure small-scale farmers can access affordable agricultural inputs.

Separately, the minister urged reforms to international tax rules to help conflict-affected countries such as Sudan strengthen revenue collection and fund recovery efforts.