KHARTOUM (Reuters) - Sudan will begin rolling out an experimental programme of direct cash transfers to its neediest citizens next week as it tries to wean the country off costly subsidies.
Khartoum has been struggling to reorganise its floundering economy. Inflation has been running at nearly 100% and the currency tumbling as the government prints money to subsidise bread, fuel and electricity.
With foreign debts of around $62 billion, Sudan last week began talks with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) on a non-funded programme that could pave the way for international financial support.
Under the new pilot cash payment programme, the government will transfer 500 Sudanese pounds (about $9) per person per month, beginning in Khartoum's West Soba district, quickly followed by four other areas in the country, the finance ministry said in a statement on Sunday.