Economist Proposes Sand Exports as Remedy for Sudan’s Dollar Shortage

Economic adviser Dr. Abubakr Al-Tijani has suggested exporting sand as a means of addressing Sudan’s foreign currency shortage and stabilizing the exchange rate, arguing that the depreciation of the Sudanese pound is driven by strong demand for foreign currencies amid limited supply.

Speaking to Nabd Al-Sudan, Al-Tijani said administrative measures alone cannot resolve the problem, stressing that market forces ultimately determine exchange rates through either increased foreign currency inflows or reduced demand.

He noted that demand for U.S. dollars is largely fueled by expenditures related to the Hajj pilgrimage, real estate transactions, business transfers abroad, education expenses, medical treatment overseas, as well as government spending on official delegations and support for the war effort.

Al-Tijani argued that there is no quick way to increase the supply of foreign currency other than exporting sand, which he said is available in vast quantities across Sudan as a result of desertification. He added that global demand for sand used in a range of industries could provide Sudan with a rapid source of hard currency earnings.

He emphasized that boosting dollar supply remains the most urgent priority, contending that many alternative solutions would require considerable time to produce results while the local currency continues to lose value. He therefore called for the export of various types of sand as a fast-track measure to generate foreign exchange revenues and support the Sudanese pound.