Fiscal Accountability and Sustainable Trade (FAST) Assessment of Public Financial Management and Domestic Resource Mobilization in Sudan

The program aimed to strengthen public financial management (PFM) and domestic resource mobilization (DRM) in Sudan. Initial assessments conducted by the FAST team identified key challenges in Sudan's PFM system, including limited fiscal transparency, inadequate budget preparation processes, and weak expenditure control. The Transitional Government's first budget, implemented in 2019, marked a significant step towards reform. However, the budget faced challenges, including limited fiscal transparency and inadequate budget preparation processes. The FAST team conducted a comprehensive assessment of Sudan's PFM system, highlighting areas for improvement, including the need to strengthen budget preparation processes, enhance public-private dialogue, and improve fiscal transparency. The assessment also focused on the DRM space in Sudan, highlighting the need to strengthen tax policy making and legislation, support comprehensive tax administration modernization, and establish an efficient, effective, and accountable Sudanese Authority for Revenue Administration (SARA). The FAST team identified potential areas for support, including fostering political leadership, citizen engagement, and coordination, as well as strengthening tax policy making and legislation. Implementation of the FAST program focused on three key interventions: capacity building for the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning (MoFEP), strengthening budget preparation processes, and enhancing public-private dialogue. The program also supported the development of a comprehensive program for tax administration modernization and the establishment of an efficient, effective, and accountable SARA. Midterm evaluation of the FAST program revealed significant progress in strengthening Sudan's PFM system and DRM space. The program helped to improve fiscal transparency, enhance public-private dialogue, and strengthen budget preparation processes. The assessment also highlighted the need for continued support to sustain the gains made and to address the remaining challenges in Sudan's PFM system and DRM space. The FAST program was led by Dr. Elizabeth Kariuki, with support from a team of experts, including Paul Banerjee, Niaz Shinwari, and Dr. Mark Gallagher. The team relied heavily on interviews, data sharing, and discussion with stakeholders to inform the assessment. The program was guided by Dr. Lisa Ortiz, USAID Division Chief for Economics, who provided critical support and guidance throughout the assessment process. The FAST program has made significant contributions to strengthening Sudan's PFM system and DRM space. The program has helped to improve fiscal transparency, enhance public-private dialogue, and strengthen budget preparation processes. The assessment highlights the need for continued support to sustain the gains made and to address the remaining challenges in Sudan's PFM system and DRM space.