The African Development Bank Group has approved a grant of US$87 million to strengthen food security and rural livelihoods in Sudan to address a deepening food crisis driven by conflict, climate shocks and economic disruption.
The Boosting Agrifood Systems Resilience Project (BOOST) has an estimated cost of roughly US$100 million, to which the Bank’s concessional window, the African Development Fund, will contribute US$87 million. The UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization, World Food Programme, UN Women and the CGIAR’s International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center will also support the project with in-kind contributions of approximately US$12.3 million in value.
BOOST, approved on 22 April 2026, seeks to increase food production and availability while creating agribusiness opportunities for women and youth in Sudan. It will be implemented in key agricultural regions of the country including Blue Nile, Sennar and Kassala states – all which host large numbers of displaced people and remain critical to national food production.
Farmers will receive improved seeds and access to climate smart technologies, increasing food production, helping to close supply gaps and reducing reliance on imports. Storage, processing and access to new markets will reduce post-harvest losses and improve household incomes. Women and youth will receive access to finance, skills and digital tools to develop agribusinesses.
The project is expected to benefit more than 1.2 million people, including more than 232,000 farming households, largely targeting women and young people. Families will have better access to food and more stable livelihoods. It is also projected to create tens of thousands of jobs, both directly and indirectly, supporting economic recovery in fragile communities.
The Bank Group’s financing draws on undisbursed funds from previously cancelled operations, an approach that allows resources to be redirected quickly to urgent national priorities.
“This investment will help farmers rebuild their livelihoods, support women and young people to create businesses, and strengthen the resilience of communities facing immense challenges,” said David Muthusi Mutuku, the Bank’s Country Manager for Sudan. “At a time of profound hardship, this project offers a path to recovery, bringing practical support to families, reviving local economies and laying the foundation for a more secure and self-reliant future.”
