Sudan to make USSD technology available for financial services

Details: Vaughan O'Grady; Category: Mobile Finance; 18 March 2026; 7809 views

The continuing relevance of USSD-based transactions is underlined by news from Sudan where the country’s telecommunications ministry is launching a service using USSD that allows citizens to access banking apps without recourse to the internet.

Sudan’s Ministry of Digital Transformation and Telecommunications has announced that USSD technology will be available for the banking sector and mobile applications starting early next week, in coordination with the Telecommunications and Post Regulatory Authority (TPRA) and The Central Bank of Sudan.

As is the case with such services, this step aims to expand the use of simplified digital channels, enabling citizens to access financial services via mobile phones, particularly in areas lacking internet connectivity, where using smart apps is difficult, or during times of high data traffic.

The first phase of the launch includes several essential financial operations, such as person-to-person (P2P) bank transfers, balance inquiries, and viewing transaction summaries.

It’s not clear how many phases will follow. However, the Ministry has emphasised that this initiative is part of its efforts to create a supportive regulatory and technical environment for expanding digital financial services and enhancing financial inclusion.

It says it also aims to support family protection and assistance programmes, leveraging the widespread use of mobile phones in Sudan.

The launch of these services is being coordinated with partners in the telecommunications and banking sectors. Who these are has not been specified. However, the ministry says that service providers will announce operational details and associated services according to their respective jurisdictions.

The launch is a reminder that the USSD, a messaging protocol used by GSM cellular networks to enable instant, two-way communication between mobile phones and applications that works without the internet, still plays a significant role in Africa.

Indeed, during our recent report on the resolution of a USSD-related dispute between Nigerian operators and banks, we noted that USSD is still essential for reaching millions of Nigerians without smartphones or reliable internet, particularly in rural and low-income communities.