The World Bank Board of Executive Directors has approved the Accelerating Sustainable and Clean Energy and Digital Access Transformation project for Sudan (ASCENT-Sudan). This initiative is aimed at expanding energy access and digital services in the states of Gadaref, Kassala, Northern, and River Nile. The project addresses critical gaps in power and digital connectivity to support urgent needs while laying a foundation for long-term recovery and growth. It is part of Phase 11 of the Regional ASCENT Multi-phase programmatic approach, which supports countries across Eastern and Southern Africa to reach the Mission 300 target of providing electricity access to 300 million people in Africa by 2030.
ASCENT-Sudan aims to address challenges stemming from ongoing conflict in Sudan, resulting in significant displacement. The focus will be on expanding electricity access for households and improving healthcare and education systems. The project will also create jobs by boosting renewable energy employment, enhancing digital skills through training, and supporting small businesses with better access to electricity and digital services. These efforts aim to strengthen the private sector's role, provide immediate relief, and help communities overcome adversity toward a more stable future.
"The project will help host communities, displaced persons, returnees, and refugees gain access to electricity, phone service, internet, improved health, education, and water services," said Yoichiro Ishihara, World Bank Country Manager for Sudan. "Farmers and small businesses will benefit from solar-powered irrigation and food processing tools."
Financed by the International Development Association (IDA) with $76.3 million funding totality ASCENT-Sudan plans to provide electricity enhanced internet access for 150000 people installing renewable energy systems public spaces farms telecom networks small businesses pilot private sector led business models enhance sustainability solar energy systems maintenance ability withstand extreme weather operational challenges
The Eastern Southern African Trade Development Bank TDB recipient implementing agency Results Based Financing RBF mechanism incentivizes private sector deliver energy digital services pre-selected locations technology needs regional ASCENT Energy Access Platform established Common Markets Eastern Southern Africa COMESA secretariat platform stakeholder coordination
This aligns World Bank Strategy Fragility Conflict Violence FCV 2020-2025 emphasizes engagement crises building resilience protecting essential institutions delivering critical services supporting private sector development ASCENT-Sudan complements leverages other ongoing World Bank projects efforts implemented development partners agriculture education health sectors
The World Bank committed standing alongside people Sudan fostering empowerment resilience face unprecedented challenges