Sudan is facing one of the world’s most severe humanitarian crises, with millions displaced and in urgent need of food, water and essential services. In response, UNDP and the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development have signed two new development projects worth USD 4 million, alongside an additional USD 4.2 million contribution from Switzerland for one initiative. These projects aim to expand clean energy access, strengthen food and water security, and build long-term resilience in communities hosting displaced people and refugees.
UNDP highlighted that this partnership with Kuwait reflects a shared commitment to helping Sudan shift from emergency relief toward sustainable recovery. The Kuwait Fund reaffirmed its long-standing humanitarian support, noting that these joint efforts demonstrate how international cooperation can improve living conditions, create jobs and strengthen resilience for vulnerable communities.
The first project, valued at USD 6.8 million, will benefit 160,000 people across East Sudan. It focuses on restoring livelihoods through climate-resilient agriculture, revitalizing fisheries and livestock production, and expanding access to solar-powered water and energy systems. It also aims to strengthen community governance by training local management committees, ensuring women make up at least half of participants. These efforts come at a time when Sudan’s agricultural sector is badly strained by water shortages, damaged systems and dependency on unreliable rainfall.
The second project, funded solely by the Kuwait Fund with USD 2 million, aims to support 500,000 smallholder farmers across several states. It will enhance water security and boost agricultural output by installing solar-powered irrigation systems, rehabilitating key infrastructure and training farmers in efficient water management. Strengthening water user associations will also help ensure fair and sustainable resource governance.
UNDP emphasized that these initiatives offer crucial support as communities face immense hardship. By improving access to food, water, clean energy and livelihoods, the projects provide both immediate relief and long-term solutions. Together, contributions from the Kuwait Fund, Switzerland and UNDP represent a significant investment in restoring essential services and building a more resilient future for Sudan.
