• Sudan creates three digital governance bodies under new ministry

• Reform aims to boost transparency, data security, and efficiency

• Effort hampered by conflict, weak infrastructure, and low readiness
  

Sudanese Prime Minister Kamil Idris issued a decree on Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2025, establishing three new national bodies under the Ministry of Digital Transformation and Communications. The agencies are the Digital Transformation Authority, the Sudanese Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority, and the Sudanese Cybersecurity Authority.

The decision is part of a broader reform agenda aimed at modernizing the state structure and improving administrative efficiency. The government seeks to lay the groundwork for a unified digital system supported by national policies to enhance transparency, administrative governance, and digital sovereignty. The goal is to create an institutional foundation capable of regulating digital public services, data management, and cyberspace protection.

Implementation Challenges and Context

The initiative faces significant hurdles, primarily political instability, a persistent armed conflict, and limited financial resources. The country suffers from a lack of reliable infrastructure and specialized expertise, both essential for a successful large-scale digital transformation. The creation of these new authorities also raises questions about institutional coordination and administrative continuity within an already fragile state.

Sudan's starting point is low relative to its regional peers. In 2024, the country scored 0.2759 out of 1 on the United Nations’ E-Government Development Index (EGDI), falling below the African average of 0.4247. On cybersecurity, the nation is classified as Tier 4 with a score of 48.17 out of 100. For AI preparedness, U.K. firm Oxford Insights gave Sudan a score of 24.63 out of 100 in 2024, lagging the sub-Saharan African average of 32.70.

By establishing the foundations for more structured digital governance, the Sudanese government aims to secure its systems, better protect public data, and prepare for more efficient administrative services. The main challenge remains whether this ambitious project can be realized in such a volatile environment.

Adoni Conrad Quenum