Sudan to enable USSD-based financial services for wider inclusion

Sudan is rolling out USSD technology for financial services, allowing citizens to access banking functions without internet connectivity. The initiative, led by the Ministry of Digital Transformation and Telecommunications in coordination with the regulator and central bank, is set to launch in phases starting next week.

The first phase will include basic services such as peer-to-peer transfers, balance checks, and transaction history. The move aims to expand financial inclusion, especially in areas with limited internet access or high data constraints.

By leveraging USSD—an offline, GSM-based communication protocol—Sudan is reinforcing the role of simple mobile technologies in delivering essential digital financial services across underserved populations.