Sudan: public finances

How much debt does Sudan have?

Sudan's general government gross debt was 204.4% of GDP in 2025, according to the IMF's World Economic Outlook figures on its DataMapper, read on 15 October 2026. The IMF gives 286.9% for 2023 and 282.3% for 2024, and projects 334.4% for 2026.

Debt is measured against GDP, so the ratio moves with the size of the economy in pounds and with the exchange rate, as much of the debt is owed in foreign currency. The large swings from year to year reflect those changes as well as new borrowing. No debt statistics from the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning could be read on 15 October 2026, because its website did not respond.

Official sources: IMF DataMapper: general government gross debt, Sudan

What is Sudan's budget deficit?

Sudan's general government net borrowing was 3.1% of GDP in 2025, according to the IMF's World Economic Outlook figures on its DataMapper, read on 15 October 2026. The IMF gives 3.6% for 2023 and 3.5% for 2024, and projects 3.9% for 2026.

Net borrowing is the gap between what the government spends and what it raises in revenue in a year. In Sudan much of this gap has been covered by the central bank: its claims on the government grew from SDG 9.35 trillion in December 2024 to SDG 29.87 trillion in June 2026. No 2026 budget document could be read, as the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning's website did not respond on 15 October 2026.

Official sources: IMF DataMapper: net lending/borrowing, Sudan · Central Bank of Sudan: Economic and Financial Statistics Review, Jan-Jun 2026

How much has the Central Bank of Sudan lent to the government?

The Central Bank of Sudan's claims on the government were SDG 29,872,669 million (about 29.9 trillion pounds) at the end of June 2026, according to the monetary base table in its Economic and Financial Statistics Review for January to June 2026. They were SDG 9,350,076 million in December 2024 and SDG 18,206,553 million in December 2025.

After subtracting government deposits at the bank, net claims on the government were SDG 26,175,998 million in June 2026. Central bank lending to the government adds to the money in circulation: broad money (M2) rose 14.7% in the second quarter of 2026 alone, to SDG 36,833,648.3 million. Money growth of this kind is one of the forces behind inflation.

Official sources: Central Bank of Sudan: Economic and Financial Statistics Review, Jan-Jun 2026

Is Sudan cutting government spending?

Sudan's Council of Ministers met on 12 October 2026 to study an urgent plan to adopt austerity and cut government spending in the coming days, according to the Government of Sudan portal. The meeting, chaired by the Prime Minister, Dr Kamil Idris, followed the three-day Al-Amal strategic forum in Khartoum.

The portal's report does not give the size of the planned cuts or which budgets they would affect. The IMF's World Economic Outlook figures put government net borrowing at 3.1% of GDP in 2025 and project 3.9% for 2026. Look for later announcements on the portal for the plan's details.

Official sources: Government of Sudan portal: austerity and cost of living, 12 Oct 2026 · IMF DataMapper: net lending/borrowing, Sudan

What is Sudan's debt to GDP ratio?

In 2025, general government gross debt in Sudan was 204.4% of GDP, according to the IMF. Since 2005 it has ranged from 53.7% of GDP (2007) to 286.9% of GDP (2023). It is 1st highest of 46 in Sub-Saharan Africa, where the median is 53.0% of GDP. Of 185 countries with 2025 data, 2nd highest.

What is Sudan's budget deficit?

The IMF puts general government net lending or borrowing in Sudan at -3.1% of GDP in 2025 (a deficit). Its high point since 2005 was 2008, at 0.5% of GDP; its low point was 2019, at -10.8% of GDP. It is 25th highest of 47 in Sub-Saharan Africa, where the median is -3.0% of GDP. Worldwide: 107th of 188.

How much revenue does Sudan's government raise?

According to the IMF, general government revenue in Sudan was 3.0% of GDP in 2025. Since 2005 it has ranged from 3.0% of GDP (2024) to 20.2% of GDP (2008). Sub-Saharan Africa median: 18.4% of GDP; Sudan is 47th highest of 47. World rank, highest first: 187th of 187.

How big is Sudan's government spending as a share of GDP?

6.1% of GDP: that is general government spending in Sudan for 2025, according to the IMF. No year since 2005 has been lower. Sub-Saharan Africa median: 20.8% of GDP; Sudan is 46th highest of 46. World rank, highest first: 185th of 186.

What is Sudan's tax to GDP ratio?

According to the IMF, central government tax revenue in Sudan was 7.4% of GDP in 2016. Its high point since 2009 was 2015, at 8.2% of GDP; its low point was 2011, at 3.9% of GDP. Sub-Saharan Africa median: 13.2% of GDP; Sudan is 30th highest of 32. Worldwide: 134th of 143.

What is Sudan's defence spending?

In 2021, military spending in Sudan was 0.9% of GDP, according to SIPRI. No year since 2005 has been lower. Across Sub-Saharan Africa the middle value was 1.4% of GDP, and Sudan placed 32nd highest of 45. Worldwide: 119th of 154.