Sudan hunger crisis deepens as nearly 20 million face acute food

Sudan is experiencing one of the world's most severe humanitarian crises, with nearly 20 million people now facing acute food shortages amid ongoing conflict. The deterioration has accelerated since the outbreak of war between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in April 2023, which has systematically dismantled food security infrastructure, displaced millions, and created a perfect storm for famine conditions across the region.

The scale is staggering. According to the latest UN assessments, approximately 18.8 million Sudanese—representing one-third of the country's population—are experiencing acute hunger, with projections suggesting this figure could exceed 20 million by mid-2025. This represents a 47% increase from 2023 baseline figures. The crisis extends beyond Sudan's borders: over 2.3 million refugees have fled to neighboring countries, straining resources in Egypt, Chad, South Sudan, and Ethiopia.

## What's driving the collapse in food production?

The war has decimated Sudan's agricultural backbone. Fighting has forced farmers to abandon croplands across the Nile Valley and Gezira region—historically the nation's grain belt. Supply chains have collapsed entirely. Markets in Khartoum, Port Sudan, and regional capitals operate sporadically or not at all. Fuel shortages have made transportation prohibitively expensive, pushing food prices to levels beyond the reach of average Sudanese households. Inflation has spiraled; the Sudanese pound has lost 97% of its value against the US dollar since 2021, eroding purchasing power to near-zero for most civilians.

Humanitarian access remains constrained. The UN estimates only 20% of needed food aid reaches beneficiaries due to security restrictions, bandit activity, and bureaucratic obstacles imposed by warring parties. Malnutrition rates among children are climbing sharply, with acute malnutrition affecting 3.7 million children under five—a 34% year-on-year increase.

## Why should international investors and policymakers pay attention?

Sudan's economic collapse has regional spillover effects. The country's agricultural exports, once significant, have virtually ceased. Neighboring economies dependent on Sudanese trade—particularly in livestock, sesame, and gum arabic—are reeling. Regional commodity prices have shifted. Beyond trade, the humanitarian catastrophe is fueling displacement, which destabilizes neighboring states and creates security vacuums exploited by non-state actors.

For foreign investors, Sudan remains effectively off-limits until political stability returns. The conflict has frozen foreign direct investment and prompted major multinational corporations to scale back or withdraw operations. However, post-conflict reconstruction will eventually create opportunities in agriculture, infrastructure, and food security systems—but only after a durable peace settlement emerges.

## When might conditions improve?

No credible ceasefire is currently in place. International diplomatic efforts, led by Saudi Arabia and Egypt, have achieved limited results. Until a negotiated settlement is reached or one faction decisively wins the conflict, humanitarian conditions will likely worsen. The UN warns that famine conditions could emerge in pockets of the country within 6-12 months if current trajectories continue.

The Sudan hunger crisis reflects a broader pattern: conflict-driven state collapse produces humanitarian catastrophes that destabilize regions and freeze investment. This is a cautionary tale for risk management in fragile African economies.

---

#