Inflation in Sudan Declines despite Stagnation, Economic Concerns

A man waits to buy food at a market in Khartoum. (REUTERS/Mohamed Nureldin Abdallah)
A man waits to buy food at a market in Khartoum. (REUTERS/Mohamed Nureldin Abdallah)
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Inflation in Sudan Declines despite Stagnation, Economic Concerns

A man waits to buy food at a market in Khartoum. (REUTERS/Mohamed Nureldin Abdallah)
A man waits to buy food at a market in Khartoum. (REUTERS/Mohamed Nureldin Abdallah)

The Central Bureau of Statistics in Sudan said on Tuesday that the annual inflation rate fell for the second month in a row to 125.41 percent in July, compared to 148.88 percent the previous month, after registering 192 percent in May.

The country is facing record inflation rates, amid a sharp devaluation of the Sudanese pound against the US dollar. The economy deteriorated in the wake of last October's events, which caused the suspension of international financing and a severe shortage of hard currency.

In early August, the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs reported that an estimated quarter of Sudan’s population (11.7 million people) faced acute food insecurity from June to September.

In its latest update on the situation in Sudan, the UN Office noted that this number represented an increase of about two million people compared to the same period last year. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), a fragile economy, long periods of drought, low cultivated area and erratic rainfall were among the root causes of the increase.

The United Nations News website quoted the Coordination Office as saying that the high prevalence of acute malnutrition in Sudan contributes to increasing morbidity and mortality rates among children under the age of five.

A further increase in acute malnutrition cases is expected, due to multiple factors, including the rising number of people in need of humanitarian assistance, the mounting inflation, and limited coverage of water, sanitation, hygiene and health services.

In a recent report, the Arab Monetary Fund said that the monetary policy in Sudan was facing major challenges since the recent developments, in addition to high rates of inflation.
The Fund added that despite this situation, the Sudanese state was keen to maintain the ongoing economic reforms and to contain inflation amid the pressures imposed by the high levels of the public budget deficit.



Alkhorayef Highlights Opportunities for Russian-Saudi Industrial Collaboration

Saudi Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Bandar Alkhorayef speaks at the Russian-Saudi Dialogue Forum on Monday. (SPA)
Saudi Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Bandar Alkhorayef speaks at the Russian-Saudi Dialogue Forum on Monday. (SPA)
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Alkhorayef Highlights Opportunities for Russian-Saudi Industrial Collaboration

Saudi Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Bandar Alkhorayef speaks at the Russian-Saudi Dialogue Forum on Monday. (SPA)
Saudi Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Bandar Alkhorayef speaks at the Russian-Saudi Dialogue Forum on Monday. (SPA)

Saudi Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Bandar Alkhorayef emphasized on Monday the enduring strength of economic ties between Saudi Arabia and Russia.

Speaking at the Russian-Saudi Dialogue Forum, held as part of INNOPROM 2025 in Yekaterinburg, he stressed the importance of Saudi Arabia’s mining sector as a vital enabler for economic diversification as part of the Kingdom’s objectives under Saudi Vision 2030.

Underscoring the Kingdom’s vast mineral resources, he highlighted its strategic geographic location as a global trade hub that connects three continents, offering promising opportunities for international investors.

Alkhorayef praised the outcomes of the Saudi-Russian Joint Committee, emphasizing its role in identifying investment opportunities across key sectors and enhancing knowledge exchange between the two countries.

The minister called on forum participants to continue strengthening cooperation and creating tangible projects that support the sustainable growth of both Saudi Arabia and Russia. He also extended an open invitation to Russian counterparts to visit the Kingdom, explore its diverse investment prospects, and experience its rich cultural heritage, noting that Saudi nationals have been showing increasing interest in travel to Russia.

Alkhorayef praised the longstanding relationship between Saudi Arabia and Russia that has spanned over 100 years, creating a foundation to advance joint initiatives in industry, mining, technology, and global trade.

Saudi Arabia and Russia’s economic relations have already witnessed monumental growth in recent years, particularly in the fields of industry, mining, petrochemicals, and advanced manufacturing. Bilateral non-oil trade increased from $491 million in 2016 to $3.28 billion in 2024, reflecting a growing partnership between the two countries.

Alkhorayef is currently leading a high-level Saudi delegation to Russia, accompanied by senior officials from 18 government entities and more than 20 leading national companies representing priority sectors including industrial services, technology, manufacturing, machinery, mining, industrial automation, energy, tourism, and culture.