Khartoum: Minister of Human Resources and Social Welfare, Dr. Mu'tasem Ahmed Saleh, on Sunday launched an economic empowerment program in Al-Gezira State to finance income-generating projects for poor and vulnerable families.
According to Sudan News Agency, the initiative is being implemented through a partnership between the Social Security, Solidarity and Poverty Reduction Commission, the Zakat Chamber, and the Savings and Social Development Bank. Saleh emphasized that this program signifies a shift from humanitarian assistance to economic recovery, aiming to restore livelihoods for war-affected families and returnees. He highlighted Al-Gezira as a crucial component of Sudan's economy, stating that its recovery is vital for the country's overall reconstruction efforts.
The first phase of the program has introduced eight pilot projects, providing beneficiaries with training, feasibility studies, and financing access. Plans are underway to expand the program to other states, furthering its reach and impact.
Al-Gezira State Minister of Social Welfare and Development, Yasser Khidr Nassar, stated that the initiative aims to finance 2,000 microfinance projects, guaranteed by the Zakat Chamber, starting with eight projects in Greater Madani. Representatives from the Zakat Chamber, the Social Security, Solidarity and Poverty Reduction Commission, and the Savings and Social Development Bank have reiterated their commitment to offering financing, technical support, training, and monitoring to ensure the projects' sustainability.