2023
ANNUAL
REPORT
Sud n Tr nsition nd R cov r
Support Trust Fund (STARS)
START HERE
Acknowlegements
Foreword
ACKNOWLEGEMENTS
Acronyms and Abbreviations This Annual Progress Report of the Sudan Transition and Recovery
Support (STARS) Multi-Donor Trust Fund Umbrella Program was
I. Executive Summary prepared by a team led by Mohamed Osman Hamid STARS Team
Leader, Limya Abdelaziz Mohamed Ibrahim, STARS Co-Team Leader,
II. STARS Development Objectives, D
esign and Fareed Mohamed Ahmed Hassan, Consultant, under the
and Relevance leadership of Milena Stefanova, Country Manager for Sudan. Core
team members included Maisa Osman Mukhtar Nurein, Program
III. Country Context: Challenging Environment Assistant and Sara Azhari, ET consultant. Editorial support, graphic
for STARS design, and typesetting were provided by Gimga group.
IV: STARS Financial Status and The team would like to thank the STARS development partners for
Portfolio Performance
their shared vision and continued commitment to support the people
of Sudan through STARS Umbrella Program: Canada, the European
V: Assessment of outcomes and Union, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, the Kingdom of Saudi
STARS Contribution
Arabia, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, the State and Peace-Building
Trust Fund of the World Bank, Sweden, and the United Kingdom.
VI: Lessons Learned and Considerations
Moving Forward
Finally, the team is grateful for support from Ousmane Dione (Country
Directory for Ethiopia, Eritrea, Sudan, and South Sudan), and the
Annex 1: Results Framework
World Bank teams implementing and reporting on STARS -financed
activities under particularly difficult circumstances during the
Annex 2: Highlights of Results AchievedDuring
review period.
the last STARS Annual ProgressReport January
to June 2022
Annex 3: STARS-Supported SESNP Results
Indicators, Baselines, Targets, and Achievements
STARS ANNUAL REPORT 2023 | 2
Acknowlegements
Foreword
FOREWORD
Acronyms and Abbreviations The Sudan Transition and Recovery Support (STARS) is the lead umbrella trust fund operating in Sudan
where political instability culminated in an armed conflict. The military takeover of October 25, 2021 has
I. Executive Summary impacted Sudan’s transition journey and caused the World Bank and development partners to pause their
programs in Sudan. The deepening conflict, coupled with other shocks like natural disasters, has contributed to
a deteriorating economic situation, further affecting vulnerable people’s ability to cover basic needs, requiring immediate
esign
II. STARS Development Objectives, D
and Relevance response. STARS’ role as a rapid response vehicle for the quick mobilization of finance is in line with the World Bank’s
increased focus on flexibility and speed when responding to the crisis in Sudan. An example of STARS catalytic role
Ousmane Dione
during the period of military takeover and pause on disbursement to the Government of Sudan is the STARS-financed
III. Country Context: Challenging Environment
Country Directory for Sudan Emergency Social Safety Nets Project, which was quickly approved by donors to support access to cash and food
for STARS
Ethiopia, Eritrea, Sudan,
for poor and vulnerable households in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
and South Sudan
IV: STARS Financial Status and
Portfolio Performance The April 15, 2023 armed conflict has further exacerbated living condition and led to vast displacement and humanitarian
crisis. The World Bank and STARS development partners have remained flexible in response to the armed conflict
V: Assessment of outcomes and shocks, adapting social safety nets delivery mechanism to focus on in-kind food transfers given the liquidity crisis and
STARS Contribution banks’ inaccessibility.
VI: Lessons Learned and Considerations Important progress was made on the social safety nets program, while limited or no progress on other areas given
Moving Forward the pause on disbursement on the committed funds to Government. The STARS Annual Progress Report highlights
contributions made to the social safety nets, key challenges encountered during implementation, as well as lessons
Annex 1: Results Framework learned to inform future engagement. Going forward, STARS will remain a platform for development partners’ dialogue,
collaboration, and a financing vehicle for Sudan’s emergent needs and priorities and the World Bank’ approach will focus
Annex 2: Highlights of Results AchievedDuring on supporting short- and medium-term resilience at the community level to withstand the multiplicity of shocks in times
the last STARS Annual ProgressReport January
of conflict.
to June 2022
We thank our development and implementing partners for their ongoing commitment, productive collaboration, shared
Annex 3: STARS-Supported SESNP Results
Indicators, Baselines, Targets, and Achievements vision, and dedicated support to the people of Sudan during these tough times. We look forward to working together
in the critical months and years ahead, as we collectively continue to innovate and push the frontiers toward greater
resilience, stability, and prosperity.
STARS ANNUAL REPORT 2023 | 3
ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS
Acknowlegements
Foreword
BETF Bank Executed Trust Fund
Acronyms and Abbreviations
CEN Country Engagement Note
I. Executive Summary CERP COVID-19 Emergency Project
DP Development Partners
esign
II. STARS Development Objectives, D FM Financial Management
and Relevance
HH Household
III. Country Context: Challenging Environment IDA International Development Association
for STARS
IDP Internally Displaced Persons
MDTF Multi-Donor Trust Fund
IV: STARS Financial Status and
Portfolio Performance
MoU Memorandums of Under Standing
OP Operational Policy
V: Assessment of outcomes and
PC Partnership Council
STARS Contribution
PDO Project Development Objective
VI: Lessons Learned and Considerations PPG Project Preparation Grant
Moving Forward
PIU Project Implementation Unit
RETF Recipient Executed Trust Funds
Annex 1: Results Framework
SDG Sudanese Pound
Annex 2: Highlights of Results AchievedDuring SESNP Sudan Emergency Safety Net Project
the last STARS Annual ProgressReport January
to June 2022 SFSP Sudan Family Support Project
SMPF Sudan Multi-Partner Fund
Annex 3: STARS-Supported SESNP Results
STARS Sudan Transition and Recovery Support
Indicators, Baselines, Targets, and Achievements
US$ United States Dollars
WB World Bank
STARS ANNUAL REPORT 2023 | 4
Acknowlegements
Section I
Foreword
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Acronyms and Abbreviations
STARS Annual Progress Report - At a Glance June 2023
I. Executive Summary
esign
II. STARS Development Objectives, D
and Relevance
III. Country Context: Challenging Environment
for STARS
IV: STARS Financial Status and
Portfolio Performance
V: Assessment of outcomes and
STARS Contribution
Focus Areas Results
VI: Lessons Learned and Considerations
Moving Forward Alleviated food insecurity risks for the poorest households, mainly in Darfur and Kordofan
Social Protection states, providing cash and food transfers to 2 million beneficiaries, surpassing the target.
Annex 1: Results Framework
Economic Revival and Contributed to mitigating food insecurity, providing in-kind food grants to
Better Governance
150,000 beneficiaries, above the target of 100,000.
Annex 2: Highlights of Results AchievedDuring Reduced gender and other disparities and fostered inclusion with about 60 percent
the last STARS Annual ProgressReport January Resilience and
Basic Services of the in-kind food and cash beneficiaries being female, exceeding the target of 50%.
to June 2022
Enhanced safety net delivery systems as 1.38 million beneficiaries have biometric
Crisis Response registration, (target of 1.5 million) and 101,860 beneficiaries (5 percent, against a target
Annex 3: STARS-Supported SESNP Results of 10 percent) were reached through mobile money transfers.
Indicators, Baselines, Targets, and Achievements
Cross – Cutting Themes Strengthening gender, social equity and conflict sensitivity that is integrated into each focus area.
STARS ANNUAL REPORT 2023 | 5
Acknowlegements
I. The Sudan Transition and Recovery Support (STARS) Multi- The World Bank disbursed 100 percent of the project funds to WFP
Donor Umbrella Annual Progress Report provides a detailed and approximately US$82 million, 82 percent of available project funds
Foreword
account of STARS implementation progress, challenges, and were spent by end June 2023. The armed conflict since April 2023, has
results during January 2022 to June 2023, a turbulent period, slowed down project implementation significantly and in response
Acronyms and Abbreviations
culminating in a devastating armed conflict. Following a brief the World Bank in consultation with partners approved a three-
period of political transition in 2020 and early 2021, escalating tensions month extension of the closing date to September 30, 2023. SESNP
I. Executive Summary between military and civilian parts of the transitional government implementation remains flexible, adapting the delivery mechanisms
culminated in a military takeover in October 2021. The takeover to focus on in-kind food transfers, rather than cash transfers, to
esign
II. STARS Development Objectives, D precipitated an economic and security crisis and a political deadlock vulnerable people in the accessible target states of Al-Gazira and
and Relevance
that prevailed between domestic stakeholders until April 15, 2023, Red Sea during the current situation where banks are inaccessible,
when an armed conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and cash is hard to come by. In addition, the simple design of the
III. Country Context: Challenging Environment and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) erupted. The conflict is causing SESNP, which targeted critical areas needed for addressing food
for STARS
widespread loss of life and property, substantial infrastructure insecurity and was well suited to Sudan’s FCV context, facilitated
damage, massive basic services and economic activities disruption, implementation as evidenced by the results achieved.
IV: STARS Financial Status and
and vast displacement and rising humanitarian needs. These
Portfolio Performance
developments adversely affected STARS progress. With the World III. While limited progress was made on other focus areas given
Bank pause in effect following the military takeover in 2021, STARS the pause, STARS achieved notable results, surpassing almost
V: Assessment of outcomes and
STARS Contribution financed people-centered emerging needs including the ongoing all its indicator targets for the Emergency Safety Net project as
Sudan Emergency Safety Nets Project (SESNP). This report focuses highlighted below. However, the risk to sustaining results is high
on social protection results as limited progress was made on other primarily due to the continued conflict, uncertain political situation,
VI: Lessons Learned and Considerations
Moving Forward focus areas of the STARS, including economic revival, resilience and fragile environment, and volatile economic and social conditions.
basic services, and crisis response given the challenging context.
he safety nets program targeted the poorest
T
Annex 1: Results Framework households, mainly in Darfur and Kordofan states.
II. Efforts to flexibly adapt the implementation of the STARS
West, Central, North Darfur and North Kordofan states with
Annex 2: Highlights of Results AchievedDuring
portfolio in the face of a challenging environment have been
a high poverty prevalence rate (exceeding 66 percent), host
the last STARS Annual ProgressReport January accelerated. While the pause remains in effect, the world Bank
67 percent of cash transfer beneficiaries. The remaining
to June 2022 quickly responded to the growing food insecurity risks in the country
balance is allocated to the eight target states with a
spilling over from the Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and approved, with
moderate prevalence (65-47 percent), including Blue Nile,
Annex 3: STARS-Supported SESNP Results the support from STARS development partners, US$100 million in
Indicators, Baselines, Targets, and Achievements South Darfur, Red Sea, South Kordofan, East Darfur, Gadarif,
financing to the WFP for a new Sudan Emergency Safety Net Project.
West Kordofan and Kassala.
STARS ANNUAL REPORT 2023 | 6
Acknowlegements
Contributing to averting food insecurity in Sudan. Enhancing safety nets delivery systems. Some 1.377
In-kind food and cash transfers were provided to 2,143,366 million beneficiaries now have biometric registration,
Foreword
most food insecure people across 12 states, exceeding the close to the target of 1.5 million. Connectivity constraints
target of 2 million. While 1,984,759 beneficiaries received due to the rainy season and limited internet network have
Acronyms and Abbreviations
cash transfers (exceeding the target by 5 percent), some impacted registration. Only 101,860 beneficiaries (5 percent,
158,607 beneficiaries received in-kind food transfers against a target of 10 percent) were reached through mobile
I. Executive Summary (exceeding the target by nearly 60 percent). money transfers due to limited or no connectivity/network,
especially in remote areas. Collaboration with payment
esign
II. STARS Development Objectives, D S
trengthening gender and social inclusion through service providers—MTN, Sudatel, Blue Nile Mushreg Bank
and Relevance
increasing the participation of women and marginalized and Bank of Khartoum—needs further improvements and,
groups in the safety nets program. The program with hindsight, the partnership could have transited to more
III. Country Context: Challenging Environment employed participatory conflict sensitivity, consensus than transactional to leverage digital technologies and
for STARS
building, and community resilience approaches to foster improve financial inclusion. Increased access to a mobile
inclusion. About 60 percent of the in-kind food and cash money agent/bank is crucial for financial inclusion and
IV: STARS Financial Status and
beneficiaries were female, exceeding the target by nearly 10 would greatly facilitate access to cash transfers, particularly
Portfolio Performance
percentage points. In West and Central Darfur states, more for women.
than 80 percent of the cash recipients were women. About
V: Assessment of outcomes and
STARS Contribution 3 percent of the beneficiaries were persons with disabilities. The analytical and advisory services (ASA) on social
Some 70 percent of the beneficiaries under the cash-based protection supported the strengthening of the social
transfers sub-component were residents while 30 percent safety nets delivery systems, including (i) developing
VI: Lessons Learned and Considerations
Moving Forward were internally displaced populations; while through in-kind registration and enrollment system, ensuring women were
transfers, 55 percent of the beneficiaries were residents, given priority in the enrollment and registration process
Annex 1: Results Framework and 45 percent were IDPs. Overall, the program has helped and eventual receipt of grants; (ii) deploying the use of
reduce gender and other disparities and enhance inclusion. digital payment (e.g., mobile money, cash cards and bank
Annex 2: Highlights of Results AchievedDuring
accounts); (iii) strengthening the MIS system that was
the last STARS Annual ProgressReport January linked to various data sources; (iv) developing outreach
to June 2022 and communication manual and citizen engagement;
and (v) preparing the Social Protection Diagnostics to be
Annex 3: STARS-Supported SESNP Results completed in FY24.
Indicators, Baselines, Targets, and Achievements
STARS ANNUAL REPORT 2023 | 7
Acknowlegements Strengthening financial sector stability. Prior to the IV. Looking Forward: STARS’s progress points to critical areas
pause, the analytical and advisory services (ASA) program needing further reform and support: While the humanitarian
Foreword
provided strategic technical assistance and analytical needs of the current conflict are dire, there is a need to embed
support to the Central Bank of Sudan to strengthen development in the emergency response. The World Bank’s
financial sector stability: reviewing the amended Banking approach going forward will focus on supporting short- and medium-
Acronyms and Abbreviations
Business and providing input in support of Asset Quality term resilience at the community level. This approach underlines
Reviews for 17 banks. It also included support provided to the uncertainty and inability to channel funds to government as
I. Executive Summary
the authorities in conducting a National Risk Assessment well as the World Bank ‘s commitment to remain engaged in times
(NRA). There was also support towards the development of of crisis. While a comprehensive needs assessment is missing, the
esign
II. STARS Development Objectives, D the National Strategy of Financial Inclusion, which included UN estimated some US$3.03 billion would be needed to provide
and Relevance
the conclusion of a nationally representative demand- urgent aid in Sudan and over one million that fled into neighboring
side survey in the reporting period, indicating that Sudan countries. The UN-held pledging conference for Sudan raised US$1.5
III. Country Context: Challenging Environment has one of the lowest levels of financial inclusion in Sub- billion to fund life-saving relief efforts. The World Bank and STARS
for STARS
Saharan Africa, with only 15.3% of adults (aged 15+) having will continue to provide a platform for coordinated efforts to respond
a financial account; as well as the finalization of supporting to Sudanese needs while building a foundation for a more strategic
IV: STARS Financial Status and
diagnostics (consumer protection, legal and regulatory approach for sustainable development. The World Bank is adopting
Portfolio Performance
framework for financial inclusion). a two-phased approach to STARS programming: (i) addressing
immediate food security needs while aiming to enhance capacity for
V: Assessment of outcomes and
STARS Contribution Supporting frontline health workers. Prior to the short- and medium-term crisis response (e.g., SESNP that remained
pause, health laboratories equipped with supplies for active) and (ii) focusing on medium term interventions to protect
COVID-19 testing, including about 9 million COVID-19 human capital through critical social services and build resilience by
VI: Lessons Learned and Considerations
Moving Forward vaccines, enabled the vaccination of 19 percent of the supporting livelihoods.
target population (12 fully vaccinated, 6 partially vaccinated
Annex 1: Results Framework and one percent received a booster dose). The vaccination
was compounded with reaching-out more than 6 million
Annex 2: Highlights of Results AchievedDuring Sudanese with awareness messages on combating
the last STARS Annual ProgressReport January COVID-19 and importance of vaccination. The program
to June 2022 supported strengthening the country health system
capacity to provide optimal care through provision of life-
Annex 3: STARS-Supported SESNP Results saving medications to around 19,000 patients admitted to
Indicators, Baselines, Targets, and Achievements
38 isolation centers throughout Sudan. Limited progress
was made during the reporting period, including the training
of about 94 health staff in infection prevention and control.
STARS ANNUAL REPORT 2023 | 8
Acknowlegements
Section II
Foreword
STARS DEVELOPMENT OBJECTIVES,
Acronyms and Abbreviations
DESIGN AND RELEVANCE
I. Executive Summary
STARS has provided an opportunity for coordinated The broad scope of STARS offers flexibility to equip the Fund
esign
II. STARS Development Objectives, D
and Relevance development partners support and a platform for dialogue with to respond to emerging priorities. STARS has four thematic
the government. Since its establishment in 2020, STARS grant areas of focus: (i) social protection, (ii) economic revival and better
III. Country Context: Challenging Environment
envelope has amounted to close to US$523 million in funding from governance, (iii) resilience and basic services, and (iv) crisis response.
for STARS
fourteen donors (Table 1). STARS-supported Sudan Family Support The broadening of STARS thematic areas is a desirable design feature
Program helped mitigate the impacts of critical macroeconomic that equips the Fund to capture the range of potential programming
IV: STARS Financial Status and reforms which paved the way to Sudan’s arrears clearance to IDA and under STARS depending on available financing, the evolution of
Portfolio Performance the reaching of the Heavily Indebted Poor Country Initiative (HIPC) Sudan priorities and socio-economic needs of the people.
Decision Point in June 2021. STARS also financed other high priority
V: Assessment of outcomes and interventions (including Sudan Emergency Support Project and STARS thematic areas were closely aligned with the World
STARS Contribution Sudan COVID-19 Emergency Response Project), as well as analytical Bank’s Strategy. The Fund was fundamental to the implementation
activities in the macro-fiscal, governance, private and financial sector. of the 2020 WBG Country Engagement Note (CEN), contributing
VI: Lessons Learned and Considerations STARS was administered by the World Bank and operated in close to the achievement of most objectives under its two focus areas
Moving Forward partnership with government and development partners through the of reengagement and contributing to a renewed social contract.
Partnership Council (PC). Due to the pause, the configuration of the Specifically, STARS thematic areas were fully aligned with four of the
Annex 1: Results Framework PC changed. Government is no longer participating nor co-chairing CEN’s six objectives, namely: (i) mitigating the impact of economic
PC meetings with the Bank until normalization. reforms and COVID-19 through an improved social program system;
Annex 2: Highlights of Results AchievedDuring
the last STARS Annual ProgressReport January
to June 2022
Annex 3: STARS-Supported SESNP Results
Indicators, Baselines, Targets, and Achievements
STARS ANNUAL REPORT 2023 | 9
Acknowlegements
(ii) completion of key reforms to initiate steps toward comprehensive
debt relief under the HIPC Initiative, including arrears clearance,
Foreword
and access to IDA resources; (iii) strengthening the government’s
institutional capacity and accountability, including supporting the
Acronyms and Abbreviations
establishment of a social protection system; and (iv) macroeconomic
and fiscal reforms to revive the economy. The focus areas of the STARS
I. Executive Summary and the CEN were also fully aligned with the World Bank’s Strategy
for Fragility, Conflict, and Violence (2020-2025), which highlights
esign
II. STARS Development Objectives, D the importance of strengthening institutions and governance, and
and Relevance
fostering economic growth and job creation. They were also aligned to
the World Bank Global Crisis Response Framework (GCRF), through
III. Country Context: Challenging Environment the GCRF pillars on strengthening resilience through macro-fiscal
for STARS
reforms (pillar 1); and on building long-term resilience and enhancing
crisis preparedness (pillar 3).
IV: STARS Financial Status and
Portfolio Performance
STARS thematic areas of focus were also relevant for the
country context. STARS was designed to support Sudan’s economic
V: Assessment of outcomes and
STARS Contribution and peacebuilding transition and build country delivery systems,
including for crisis response. The transition has been accompanied
by economic difficulties and deteriorating living conditions, COVID-19
VI: Lessons Learned and Considerations
Moving Forward pandemic, flood, the military takeover of October 25, 2021, and the
military confrontation between the two rivals—SAF and RSF—that
Annex 1: Results Framework started on April 15, 2023. The recent conflict has led to a severe
food insecurity and humanitarian situation, requiring immediate
Annex 2: Highlights of Results AchievedDuring
crisis response.
the last STARS Annual ProgressReport January
to June 2022
Annex 3: STARS-Supported SESNP Results
Indicators, Baselines, Targets, and Achievements
STARS ANNUAL REPORT 2023 | 10
Acknowlegements
Section III
Foreword
COUNTRY CONTEXT:
Acronyms and Abbreviations
CHALLENGING ENVIRONMENT FOR STARS
I. Executive Summary
esign
II. STARS Development Objectives, D STARS implementation faced enormous challenges following The October 25, 2021, military takeover brought the transition to
and Relevance the military takeover in October 2021, and the April 2023 armed an abrupt stop and caused the Bank and development partners
conflict marked a new and dramatic phase of the Sudan’s power to pause their programs. The military takeover led to a pause in
III. Country Context: Challenging Environment transition. Since the toppling of long-time ruler Omar al-Bashir in operations, including STARS-supported projects, and the triggering
for STARS 2019, Sudan has been enmeshed in a rocky transition toward civilian of the World Bank Operational Policy (OP) 7.30: Dealing with De Facto
government that turned into military takeover and recently armed Governments, which is still in force. The IMF and AFDB programs
IV: STARS Financial Status and conflict. There are many competing and overlapping dimensions to followed suit and paused new disbursements. On October 26, 2021,
Portfolio Performance the current conflict. The violence that the two rival factions unleashed the United States suspended financial support to Sudan of US$
over the control of Khartoum and its surrounding areas has trapped 700 million dollars. Donor support for Sudan, which was projected
V: Assessment of outcomes and civilians (who are exposed to scarce food supplies), crippled essential to increase in 2021 from 1.5 percent of GDP to 2.7 percent, was at
STARS Contribution services, disrupted economic activities, and damaged infrastructure. risk. Following the military takeover, a political deadlock prevailed
The conflict extended to other areas of the country with the clear between domestic stakeholders in the military and the broader
VI: Lessons Learned and Considerations risk of escalation and no clear sign of when the situation could be security apparatus, armed groups, political parties, and civil society.
Moving Forward
stabilized. These developments have and will adversely affect STARS In the interim, nationwide street protests intensified in defiance of
level of engagement. the military takeover and continued to exert pressure on the military
Annex 1: Results Framework leadership to step down.
Annex 2: Highlights of Results AchievedDuring
the last STARS Annual ProgressReport January
to June 2022
Annex 3: STARS-Supported SESNP Results
Indicators, Baselines, Targets, and Achievements
STARS ANNUAL REPORT 2023 | 11
Acknowlegements
On December 5, 2022, a political agreement between the military and food insecurity increased. Extreme poverty increased by 10
and the main civilian block was signed, but the April 15, 2023, percentage points from 18.4 percent in 2018 to 29.1 percent in 2022
Foreword
armed conflict, disrupted the agreement implementation. The at a line of US$2.15/day in 2017 PPP.2 Food insecurity remained
agreement was the first step in a two-phased approach of concluding alarmingly high throughout the last quarter of 2022, deteriorating
Acronyms and Abbreviations
the political negotiations on the new transitional arrangements. The further into the first quarter of 2023. According to the WFP latest
agreement consisted of a declaration of principles whereby the Comprehensive Food Security Vulnerability Assessment (CFSVA,
I. Executive Summary signatories commit themselves to return to a civilian-led government March 2023), the number of acutely food insecure people increased
with several elements spelled out such as having a civilian Prime from 14.8 to 16.8 million during this period. Poverty and food
esign
II. STARS Development Objectives, D Minister and Head of State, setting up a Security and Defense insecurity prevalence rates vary significantly across states, with the
and Relevance
council to contain the military and armed groups, and committing highest rates observed in Darfur and Kordofan states.
to a two-year transition period with elections to be held at the end.
III. Country Context: Challenging Environment The framework agreement also referred to five key issues (including The April armed conflict has further exacerbated food
for STARS
the sensitive security sector reform) that would be further debated insecurity and led to vast displacement and severe
and agreed during Phase 21. It was envisioned that Phase 2 would humanitarian crisis. Over 2.6 million people have been displaced
IV: STARS Financial Status and
be completed by early April 2023, but by mid-April an armed conflict since the conflict began on April 15, with 560,000 becoming
Portfolio Performance
disrupted the process. international refugees, according to the UN Office for the Coordination
of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) estimates as of end June 2023.
V: Assessment of outcomes and
STARS Contribution The political instability coupled with other shocks like floods, At least 1,133 people have been killed and 11,796 injured, according
has contributed to a deteriorating economic and poverty to the Federal Ministry of Health, as of June 30, 2023. The numbers
situation, further affecting much of the population’s ability to continue to be underreported due to difficulty in gaining access
VI: Lessons Learned and Considerations
Moving Forward cover basic needs. Five consecutive years of recession (2018-2022) to information.3 The disruption to aid has been costly, with food
resulting in a cumulative GDP contraction of 11.3 percent, high inflation, and other supplies running low and the lean period between
Annex 1: Results Framework compounded by shocks arising from civic unrest, and floods, poverty harvests imminent.
Annex 2: Highlights of Results AchievedDuring
the last STARS Annual ProgressReport January
to June 2022
1
Those are (i) security sector reform; (ii) transitional justice; (iii) implementation of the Juba Peace Agreement; (iv) the dismantling of the old regime; and (v) the Eastern
Front conflict (that involves a coalition of rebel groups operating in eastern Sudan along the border with Eritrea, particularly the states of Red Sea and Kassala).
Annex 3: STARS-Supported SESNP Results
Indicators, Baselines, Targets, and Achievements
2
World Bank (2022). Sudan Macro-Poverty Outlook.
3
The WFP, which is implementing the SESNP, briefly suspended all operations in Sudan on April 16 after the death of three employees caught in the violence.
STARS ANNUAL REPORT 2023 | 12
Acknowlegements
Foreword
Acronyms and Abbreviations
I. Executive Summary
esign
II. STARS Development Objectives, D
and Relevance
III. Country Context: Challenging Environment
for STARS
IV: STARS Financial Status and
Portfolio Performance
V: Assessment of outcomes and
STARS Contribution
It is likely that the violence in Sudan will have large impacts on regional food insecurity, with 560,000 people having fled to neighboring
VI: Lessons Learned and Considerations
Moving Forward countries.4 Many of those fleeing—Sudanese and refugees from other countries who once sought safety in Sudan—are heading to Chad, CAR,
Egypt, Ethiopia and South Sudan, all countries grappling with their own food insecurity. The WFP has called for an increased food assistance to
fight hunger in Sudan and the broader region as food insecurity has spilled across borders.5 Before the conflict, food insecurity was projected to
Annex 1: Results Framework
worsen in Sudan, with most of the food insecure population concentrated near the borders with neighboring countries. The most-affected groups
are internally displaced people (IDPs); returnees; conflict-affected populations in parts of Darfur, and Kordofan states and refugees from Ethiopia,
Annex 2: Highlights of Results AchievedDuring
the last STARS Annual ProgressReport January South Sudan, and other nearby countries.
to June 2022
4
The number of international refugees could rise to as many as 800,000 as the conflict continues.
Annex 3: STARS-Supported SESNP Results 5
For example, the WFP has called for $162.4 million in funding to support 2.3 million people in urgent need of food assistance in Chad. Food insecurity in northern CAR and
Indicators, Baselines, Targets, and Achievements
South Sudan is expected to deteriorate.
STARS ANNUAL REPORT 2023 | 13
Acknowlegements Table 1: STARS Financial Status as of June 30,2023
Section IV Item Amount in USD Note
Foreword Stars Total Commitments with
STARS FINANCIAL Signed Agreements
525,150,499.82
STATUS AND PORTFOLIO
Acronyms and Abbreviations Contribution Received 523,150,499.82 Table 2
Unpaid Contribution 2,000,000.00
I. Executive Summary PERFORMANCE Investment Income 13,848,210.00
SPF Refund of Prorata 524,838.28
esign
II. STARS Development Objectives, D As of June 2023, STARS donors pledged US$525 million while I. Total STARS Fund 536,473,871.54
and Relevance
contributions received were US$523 million. The remaining II. Total STARS Grant Allocations 472,911,855.66 Table 3
balance of US$2 million committed, but not yet received, is from
III. Country Context: Challenging Environment Bank Executed Trust Fund grant allocations 5,221,855.66
the Government of the Netherlands and was expected to cover
for STARS
Technical Support to the Sudan Covid-19
work related to private sector development. About US$ 524,838 Emergency Response Project
700,000.00
were returned to the SPF in 2022, following SPF closure. Table
IV: STARS Financial Status and Technical Assistance to Sudan
1 provides a summary of STARS receipts, disbursements, and 127,879.66
Portfolio Performance Social Security Investment (phase 2)
fund balance. Technical Support to Sudan Family
3,500,000.00
Support Program
V: Assessment of outcomes and
STARS Contribution Analytical Program on Productivity,
593,976.00
Resilience and Growth
STARS Program Management 300,000.00
VI: Lessons Learned and Considerations
Moving Forward Recipient Executed Trust Funds
467,690,000.00
Grant Allocation
Annex 1: Results Framework Sudan Covid-19 Emergency Response Project 15,485,000.00
Sudan Family Support Program 350,000,000.00
Annex 2: Highlights of Results AchievedDuring Sudan Household Survey 1,730,000.00
the last STARS Annual ProgressReport January
to June 2022 Sudan Emergency Safety Net Project 100,000,000.00
Project Preparation Grant for the Sudan
475,000.00
Family Support Program
Annex 3: STARS-Supported SESNP Results
Indicators, Baselines, Targets, and Achievements III. Administrative Fee on above RETFs 19,207,600.00
IV. STARS Available Fund (IV=I-II-III.) 44,354,415.88
STARS ANNUAL REPORT 2023 | 14
Acknowlegements
To date, STARS supported nine activities (projects, technical assistance, and analytical activities) with total allocation of US$ 472.9
million, and disbursements amounting to US$198 million or 41 percent of total committed funds. Disbursements reflect slower than
Foreword
anticipated implementation pace due to Government-implemented programs remaining on pause. While all disbursements paused in October
2021,. on July 15, 2022, the $100mln Sudan Emergency Safety Net Project (SESNP) became effective, and the funds were fully disbursed to
Acronyms and Abbreviations
the WFP to support access to cash and food for poor and vulnerable Sudanese households. Consequently, its implementation progress and
contribution to achieving STARS objectives are fully reflected in the narrative of this report. Total disbursements vary significantly by the four
I. Executive Summary thematic areas of focus (Table 3). Disbursement ratios range from 7 percent for economic revival and better governance focus area to 87 percent
for crisis response focus area (Table 3).
esign
II. STARS Development Objectives, D
and Relevance
Table 2: Donor Pledges and Contributions Received as of June 30,2023
III. Country Context: Challenging Environment Name of Pledged Contribution Donor Pledges Contributions Pending Contribution
for STARS
the Donor in Own Currency Currency (US$) Received (US$) (US$)
Canada 10,000,000 CAD 7,941,821.39 7,941,821.39 0.00
IV: STARS Financial Status and EU 182,900,000.00 EUR 216,094,010 216,094,010.00 0.00
Portfolio Performance
UK 82,181,000.00 GPB 112,100,834 112,689968.60 0.00
Germany 60,000,000.00 EUR 71,388,200 71,388,200.00 0.00
V: Assessment of outcomes and
STARS Contribution France 42,000,000.00 EUR 46,296,263.98 46, 296,263.98 0.00
Sweden 200,000,000.00 SEK 22,707,270.82 22,707,270.82 0.00
VI: Lessons Learned and Considerations
Norway 117,000,000.00 NOK 12,999,865.03 12,999,865.03 0.00
Moving Forward
Italy 5,000,000.00 USD 5,000,000 5,000,000.00 0.00
Annex 1: Results Framework Spain 1,000,000.00 USD 1,300,000 1,300,000.00 0.00
Netherlands 10,000,000.00 USD 10,000,000 8,000,000.00 2,000,000
Annex 2: Highlights of Results AchievedDuring Ireland 500,000.00 USD 500,000 500,000.00 0.00
the last STARS Annual ProgressReport January
to June 2022 SPF - MDTF 7,000,000.00 USD 7,000,000 6,475,161.72 0.00
Saudi Arabia 10,000,000.00 USD 10,000,000 10,000,000.00 0.00
Annex 3: STARS-Supported SESNP Results Finland 1,000,000.00 EUR 1,233,100 1,233,100.00 0.00
Indicators, Baselines, Targets, and Achievements
Total STARS 525,150,499.82 523,150,499.82
Source: World Bank staff estimates. Note: About US$ 524,838.28 were returned to SFP in 2022, following SPF closure.
STARS ANNUAL REPORT 2023 | 15
Acknowlegements
Table 3: STARS Grants Allocations and Disbursements as of June 30, 2023
Foreword
Thematic Area/ Project Implementation Grant Disbursements Closing
Project ID Name Modality ($) ($) Date
Acronyms and Abbreviations SOCIAL PROTECTION
P17352 PPG for Sudan Family Support Program Recipient Executed 475,000 447,247 12/31/2021
I. Executive Summary P17352 Sudan family support program Recipient Executed 350,000,000 80,764,200 12/31/2023
Technical Support and Diagnostics for
P17352 Bank Executed 3,500,000 2,944,416 6/30/2023
esign
II. STARS Development Objectives, D the Sudan Family Support Program
and Relevance
Third-party
P178989 Sudan Emergency Safety Nets Project 100,000,000 100,000,000 6/30/2023
Implementation
III. Country Context: Challenging Environment Sub Total 453,975,000 184,155,863
for STARS
ECONOMIC REVIVAL & BETTER GOVERNANCE
IV: STARS Financial Status and TA: The Sudan Social Security
P171371 Bank Executed 127,880 127,880 6/30/2022
Investment Authority
Portfolio Performance
P176302 Sudan Household Survey Recipient Executed 1,730,000 0 6/30/2023
V: Assessment of outcomes and Analytical Program on Productivity,
P178527 Bank Executed 593976 0 6/30/2024
STARS Contribution Resilience, and Growth
Sub Total 127,880
VI: Lessons Learned and Considerations CRISIS RESPONSE
Moving Forward
Sudan Covid-19 Emergency
P174352 Recipient Executed 15,485,000 13,393,806 12/31/2023
Response Project
Annex 1: Results Framework Sudan Covid-19 Emergency
P174352 Bank Executed 700,000 699,950 12/31/2023
Response Project
Annex 2: Highlights of Results AchievedDuring Sub Total 16,185,000 14,093,756
the last STARS Annual ProgressReport January
to June 2022 TF0B9003 STARS Program Management Bank Executed 300,000 32,721
Sub Total 300,000 32,721
Annex 3: STARS-Supported SESNP Results Grand Total 472,911,856 198,410,220
Indicators, Baselines, Targets, and Achievements
Source: World Bank staff estimates. Note: the above table excludes information on administrative fees.
STARS ANNUAL REPORT 2023 | 16
Acknowlegements
Focus Area 1: Social Protection with the objective of establishing Transfer Program (TF0A2309) that informed the design of the Sudan
a social protection system, including implementation of Sudan Safety Net Project (SSNP- P148349)—financed by the previous
Foreword
Family Support Program (SFSP) and the follow-up Sudan Emergency Sudan Multi-Partner Fund (SMPF)6 Even with its modest initial
Safety Net Project (SESNP) to mitigate the impacts of economic amount of US$3.5 million, the SSNP positioned the World Bank as a
Acronyms and Abbreviations
reforms and shocks. Social Protection (SP) was the largest thematic first mover in a space where, hitherto, Sudan’s authorities were wary
area of focus before the operations paused in October 2021 and of outside involvement. It was an important part of how the world
I. Executive Summary remained the largest area with four activities: Project Preparation Grant Bank repositioned itself as a trusted partner. The TA and the SSNP
(PPG) for SFSP, the SFSP, Technical Assistance (TA) and Diagnostics strengthened the capacity of the government to implement its self-
esign
II. STARS Development Objectives, D for SFSP, and SESNP. The four activities were financed by one Bank resourced safety nets system that provided cash transfers to a limited
and Relevance
Executed Trust Fund (BETF) and three Recipient Executed Trust number of beneficiaries, amounting to 500,000 (about one percent
Funds (RETF) valued at US$454 million and undisbursed balance of of the population).7 Following Sudan’s political transition in 2019, the
III. Country Context: Challenging Environment US$270 million. Only SESNP is under implementation but the armed government requested support from the donor community to scale
for STARS
conflict since April 2023, has slowed down project implementation up the safety nets system to mitigate the impacts of reforms and
significantly with US$ 17,798,035 remaining to be spent before the shocks. The Sudan Family Support Program (SFSP-P173521) was
IV: STARS Financial Status and
original closing date of June 30, 2023. In response the World Bank launched in October 2020, with the aim of supporting a large cash
Portfolio Performance
approved a three- month extension of the closing date to September transfer scheme covering 80 percent of the population. However,
30, 2023, to support the Sudanese people with food transfers during there were delays in delivering pledged resources for the SFSP
V: Assessment of outcomes and
STARS Contribution the current circumstances of liquidity shortages and food crisis. through the STARS, which the World Bank managed by adopting a
flexible and phased approach toward implementing the SFSP. This
The World Bank and development partners engagement in paused project was followed by the ongoing Sudan Emergency
VI: Lessons Learned and Considerations
Moving Forward this focus area has evolved from a pilot technical assistance Safety Net Project (SESNP-P178989) to address immediate food
approach to a focus on the country’s broader social protection insecurity needs and a planned follow-up project to build resilience
system. Engagement was initiated in 2016 under the World Bank’s and support livelihoods.
Annex 1: Results Framework
closed projects— TA on Impact Evaluation: Design of Sudan’s Cash
Annex 2: Highlights of Results AchievedDuring
the last STARS Annual ProgressReport January
to June 2022 6
The SMPF was administered by the World Bank and operated in close partnership with Government and development partners The financing envelope of the SMPF
is estimated at US$10.7 million and the principal objective of the SMPF is “to provide a platform for coordinated financing to support the Government of Sudan’s
implementation of the I-PRSP as well as support the development and implementation of the full PRSP” (Bank’s Board Document on Establishment of a Sudan Multi-
Annex 3: STARS-Supported SESNP Results
Partner Fund, Report Number 86397-SD, April 2014, p.1).
Indicators, Baselines, Targets, and Achievements 7
The TA and the related SSNP aimed at developing the safety net targeting instruments, options for payments, the architecture for the program’s Management Information
System, payment mechanisms, and bolstering advocacy and communications according to the World Bank. 2008. Project Paper: Sudan Social Safety Net (P148349).
Report No: Report No: PP1535.
STARS ANNUAL REPORT 2023 | 17
Acknowlegements
Focus Area 2: Economic Revival and Better Governance
that aims at building and strengthening economic systems,
Foreword
including procurement, financial, management, and
implementation capacity; enhancing social accountability; and
Acronyms and Abbreviations
supporting household budget surveys. The focus area supported
three activities valued at US$2.5 million: (i) TA to the Sudan Social
I. Executive Summary Security Investment Authority (US$ 0.1 million, BETF) that was fully
disbursed and closed on June 30, 2022; and (ii) Sudan Household
esign
II. STARS Development Objectives, D Survey (US$1.7 million, RETF) which closed on June 30, 2023 without
and Relevance
progress given the pause; and (iii) the recently approved Analytical
Program on Productivity, Resilience and Growth (US$0.6 million,
III. Country Context: Challenging Environment BETF) to be undertaken in FY24.
for STARS
Focus Area 3: Resilience, and Basic Services that aims at
IV: STARS Financial Status and
addressing long-standing disparities between the center and
Portfolio Performance
the periphery and extending support to conflict-affected states.
There are no ongoing activities under this area.
V: Assessment of outcomes and
STARS Contribution
Focus Area 4: Crisis Response with the main goal of enabling
VI: Lessons Learned and Considerations
Sudan to respond to emergencies with a development response
Moving Forward that is complementary to humanitarian assistance. The focus area
has two activities valued at US$16.2 million and an account balance of
Annex 1: Results Framework US$2.1 million. These activities include Sudan COVID-19 Emergency
Response Project (RETF) and Sudan Emergency Response Project
Annex 2: Highlights of Results AchievedDuring (BETF). Due to the pause on disbursements to Government, project
the last STARS Annual ProgressReport January activities were not implemented, and consequently limited progress
to June 2022 was made focused on training and support for frontline health
workers to deliver essential health services.
Annex 3: STARS-Supported SESNP Results
Indicators, Baselines, Targets, and Achievements
STARS ANNUAL REPORT 2023 | 18
Acknowlegements
Section V
Foreword
ASSESSMENT OF OUTCOMES AND STARS CONTRIBUTION
Acronyms and Abbreviations
This section analyses progress under STARS areas of focus during January 2022 to June 2023, while overall STARS cumulative results
I. Executive Summary achieved since its inception in 2020 are provided in Annex 1. The last STARS Annual Progress Report (May 2020 to December 2021) provided a
detailed analysis of earlier progress which is summarized in Annex 2.8
esign
II. STARS Development Objectives, D
and Relevance
Social Protection
III. Country Context: Challenging Environment
for STARS Despite the working environment challenges, STARS-supported
SESNP achieved significant results, exceeding almost all its
indicator targets. SESNP provided social assistance through in-
IV: STARS Financial Status and
Portfolio Performance kind food and cash transfer to 2,143,366 most food insecure people
across 12 states, exceeding the target of 2 million. The project reached
V: Assessment of outcomes and 1,984,759 beneficiaries through the cash-based transfers (exceeding
STARS Contribution the target by 5 percent) and 158,607 beneficiaries through in-kind
food transfers (exceeding the target by nearly 60 percent). The food
VI: Lessons Learned and Considerations security assessment carried out by WFP informed the targeting
Moving Forward mechanism of SENSP social safety nets program (Figure 1).9 Table
4 summarizes SESNP key results achieved, while Annex 3 provides
Annex 1: Results Framework a detailed assessment of key and intermediate results indicators,
showing baselines, targets, and status of achievement.
Annex 2: Highlights of Results AchievedDuring
the last STARS Annual ProgressReport January 8
The last STARS Progress Report noted that before the pause, outcomes of thematic area 3 (resilience and basic services) included contribution to the greater capacity of
to June 2022 the government to undertake education sector reforms, greater resilience and participation of women and youth in development activities, and community asset creation.
In addition, interventions also provided an important signal to people in conflict-affected areas. They offered ways to move forward with development interventions
regarding basic service delivery, livelihoods, and social inclusion, using, where possible, community-driven development (pp7-8). The thematic area of crisis response
Annex 3: STARS-Supported SESNP Results supported the provision of life-saving medications for optimal care of people with COVID-19; expanded the isolation capacity in Khartoum state (Omdurman Teaching
Indicators, Baselines, Targets, and Achievements Hospital) and other affected areas; strengthened a national surveillance; and supported vaccine deployment, providing vaccines to 19 percent of the population (12 fully
vaccinated, 6 partially vaccinated and 1 percent received a booster dose).
9
WFP food insecurity and vulnerability assessment 2021/22. Statistics on food insecurity are based on available information and forecast as on April 14, 2022.
STARS ANNUAL REPORT 2023 | 19
Acknowlegements
Table 4: Key Results Indicators and Actual Achievements
Foreword
Indicator End Progress
Baseline Remarks
Name Target Remarks
Acronyms and Abbreviations Beneficiaries of social safety net programs (Number) 0.00 2,000,000 2,143,366 Target exceeded by 7 percent
Beneficiaries of social safety net programs,
0.00 1,000,000 1,297,473 Target excceeded by 30 percent
I. Executive Summary Female (Number)
Beneficiaries of Safety Nets programs, Unconditional
0.00 1,900,000 1,984,759 Target excceeded by 5 percent
cash transfers (Number)
esign
II. STARS Development Objectives, D
and Relevance Beneficiaries of Safety Nets programs, In-kind
0.00 100,000 158,607 Target exceedd by 12 percentage points
transfers (Number)
III. Country Context: Challenging Environment Female heads of beneficiaries’ households receiving
0.00 50.00 62 Target exceedd by 7 percentage points
for STARS
cash/income support (Percentage)
Female heads of beneficiaries’ households receiving
0.00 50.00 57 Target eccedd by 14 percentage points
in-kind/food support (Percentage)
IV: STARS Financial Status and
Portfolio Performance
Beneficiaries satisfied with the delivery of cash/food
0.00 80.00 94 Target eccedd by 13 percentage points
transfers (Percentage)
V: Assessment of outcomes and Source: World Bank staff estimates.
STARS Contribution
The in-kind food and cash transfer program targeted the poorest households, mainly in Darfur and Kordofan states. West, Central, North
VI: Lessons Learned and Considerations Darfur and North Kordofan states (with a high poverty prevalence rate exceeding 66 percent), host 67 percent of cash transfer beneficiaries.
Moving Forward The remaining balance is allocated to the eight target states with a moderate prevalence rate (65-47 percent), including Blue Nile, South Darfur,
Red Sea, South Kordofan, East Darfur, Gadarif, West Kordofan and Kassala. In contrast, states with a low poverty prevalence rate are in Northern,
Annex 1: Results Framework Khartoum, Sinnar, White Nile, Al-Gazira, and River Nile states, and their residents did not receive cash transfers (Figure 1). Similarly, food transfers
targeted three states that have high rate of prevalence of food insecurity: Blue Nile (50 percent of total beneficiaries); Gadarif (30 percent) and
Annex 2: Highlights of Results AchievedDuring Red Sea (20 percent). Targeting at the locality and community level was mainly through a community targeting system and using targeting
the last STARS Annual ProgressReport January committees. While the system worked broadly, amid widespread food insecurity, strengthening of the selection of targeting committees and the
to June 2022 transparency of these processes required further improvements.
Annex 3: STARS-Supported SESNP Results
Indicators, Baselines, Targets, and Achievements
STARS ANNUAL REPORT 2023 | 20
Acknowlegements Figure 1: Poverty Incidence, Prevalence of Food Insecurity and Cash Transfer Beneficiaries by States
Foreword
Acronyms and Abbreviations
I. Executive Summary
esign
II. STARS Development Objectives, D
and Relevance
III. Country Context: Challenging Environment
for STARS
IV: STARS Financial Status and
Portfolio Performance
V: Assessment of outcomes and
STARS Contribution
VI: Lessons Learned and Considerations
Moving Forward
Annex 1: Results Framework
Annex 2: Highlights of Results AchievedDuring
the last STARS Annual ProgressReport January
to June 2022
Annex 3: STARS-Supported SESNP Results
Indicators, Baselines, Targets, and Achievements
Source: Staff estimates based on WFP food insecurity and vulnerability assessment 2021/22, Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper (2021-2023), and Sudan Emergency Safety Nets
Project Progress Reports. Statistics on food insecurity are based on information and forecast as of April 14, 2022.
STARS ANNUAL REPORT 2023 | 21
Acknowlegements
Strengthening gender and social inclusion through increasing Enhancing safety nets delivery systems.10 About 1.38 million
the participation of women and marginalized groups in the beneficiaries have biometric registration, close to the target of
Foreword
safety nets program. The program prioritized adult women as 1.5 million. Access constraints due to the rainy season and roads
principal recipients of safety nets program to ensure women have conditions have been experienced, impacting staff travelling to the
Acronyms and Abbreviations
a voice in household decision-making and use of entitlements. biometric registration sites as well as the people reaching the sites to
The program employed participatory conflict sensitivity, consensus be registered. The utilization of digital payments systems increased
I. Executive Summary building, and community resilience approaches to enhance the number of beneficiaries enrolled in mobile money, reaching
inclusion. This led to the establishment of new committees that are 101,860 beneficiaries (5 percent which is below the intermediate
esign
II. STARS Development Objectives, D more inclusive and representative of the communities they serve. results indicator target of 10 percent) (Annex 3). Connectivity and
and Relevance
About 60 percent of the in-kind food and cash beneficiaries were network issues, especially for cash transfer modalities have also
female, respectively, exceeding the target by nearly 10 percentage been experienced, particularly in remote places. Collaboration and
III. Country Context: Challenging Environment points. In West and Central Darfur State, reports show that more coordination with payment service providers—MTN, Sudatel, Blue
for STARS
than 80 percent of the cash recipients were women. About 3 Nile Mushreg Bank and Bank of Khartoum—could have been further
percent of the beneficiaries were persons with disabilities. Over improved, and the partnership could have transited to more than
IV: STARS Financial Status and
70 percent beneficiaries under the cash-based transfers sub- transactional to enhance utilization of digital payments systems.
Portfolio Performance
component were residents while 30 percent were internally displaced
populations; while through in-kind transfers, 55 residents and 45
V: Assessment of outcomes and
STARS Contribution percent internally displaced populations were reached. Overall,
the program has helped reduce gender and other disparities and
foster inclusion.
VI: Lessons Learned and Considerations
Moving Forward
Annex 1: Results Framework
Annex 2: Highlights of Results AchievedDuring
the last STARS Annual ProgressReport January
to June 2022
Annex 3: STARS-Supported SESNP Results 10
O
nly 10 percent of women (compared to 20.2 percent of men) had a financial account (i.e., registered account at a bank or non-bank financial institution, or mobile
Indicators, Baselines, Targets, and Achievements money account), and in general Sudan has one of the world’s lowest rankings for gender equality (168 out of 189 countries and territories) and remains in the low human
development category.
STARS ANNUAL REPORT 2023 | 22
Acknowlegements
The complaint and feedback mechanism provided easy access
Foreword
to the primary point of contact for inquiries about the SFSP Crisis Response
and the GRM call center has been playing a critical role in the
process. About 5,690 complaints were received, of which 87 percent Providing COVID-19 vaccines to 19 percent of the targeted
Acronyms and Abbreviations
were resolved within 30 days or less, through GRM, surpassing the population, contributing to averting serious illness,
intermediate results indicator of 80 percent. Majority of the cases (78 hospitalization, and minimization of COVID-19-related deaths.
I. Executive Summary percent) involved targeting, profiling and registration and requests Cumulatively, as of June 30, 2023, supported COVID-19 Emergency
for information. Following the Aril 15 conflict and the damage to the Response Project (CERP) contributed to the deployment of 9 million
esign
II. STARS Development Objectives, D call center, the SESNP established an alternative GRM platform, that COVID-19 vaccines to cover nearly 19.31 percent of the targeted
and Relevance
includes four paid lines and digitalized helpdesks with over 40 trained population (12.20 percent fully vaccinated, 6.59 percent partially
partner and WFP staff who managed the helpdesk and engaged vaccinated, and 0.69 percent received a booster dose). The program
III. Country Context: Challenging Environment with several stakeholders. The project team worked with community also supported reaching-out more than 6 million Sudanese with
for STARS
and shelter committees, leaders, representatives, authorities, and awareness-raising messages including on COVID-19 and vaccination.
NGOs to ensure that beneficiaries’ complaints were well addressed Health laboratories were equipped with supplies and the isolation
IV: STARS Financial Status and
and resolved. centers were provided with life-saving medications to improve case
Portfolio Performance
management. Moreover, 94 health staff trained in infection prevention
WFP reported ten (10) incidents related to looting of food and control.11 Additionally, the program supported strengthening
V: Assessment of outcomes and
STARS Contribution commodities, cash theft and allegations of Sexual Exploitation capacity in safe management of healthcare waste through updating
and Abuse that are being handled by its Office of the Inspector outdated guidelines, training of 164 staff nationwide and provision of
General. These incidents were referred for case management and needed supplies. The program contributed to expanding subnational
VI: Lessons Learned and Considerations
Moving Forward reported to World Bank in line with the procedures outlined in the capacity to responding to GBV through training of 125 nurses,
Grant Agreement. However, obtaining non-confidential information midwives, and health promotors. Overall, the program covered all 18
Annex 1: Results Framework from WFP’s Office of the Inspector General (such as status of cases, states, with a focus on five vulnerable states mainly in Darfur and
resolved, referred, closed or mitigation actions being implemented) Kordofan. It is worth noting that IDA-financed COVID-19 project
Annex 2: Highlights of Results AchievedDuring
has been challenging. Security related incidents were also reported (IDA-D8660) that disbursed US$10 million (out of a total of US$100
the last STARS Annual ProgressReport January including the death of three WFP employees caught in the violence. million) contributed to this progress.
to June 2022 The Bank team has agreed with WFP to submit a comprehensive
report that provides details on the case management status of
Annex 3: STARS-Supported SESNP Results the incidents.
Indicators, Baselines, Targets, and Achievements
STARS ANNUAL REPORT 2023 | 23
Acknowlegements
Foreword Analytical and Advisory Services Risk to Development Outcome
The analytical and advisory services (ASA) program provided The risk to sustaining the development outcome is “high” as
Acronyms and Abbreviations
strategic technical assistance and analytical support to the the political situation has further deteriorated since the April 15
financial sector. Prior to the pause, the program supported the armed conflict, resulting in worsening security and household
I. Executive Summary
Central Bank of Sudan, towards strengthening financial sector welfare. Efforts to reach a political solution are nascent and subjected
stability with the review of the amended Banking Business Act to high risks. Unless a political solution is found, Sudan could
esign
II. STARS Development Objectives, D with strong collaboration with the IMF. The program also provided continue to remain cut off from financing sources that are critical to
and Relevance
early input towards the Asset Quality Reviews (AQR) which were sustain reforms. Without such assistance, it is likely that Sudan will
completed for 17 banks. not be able to maintain outcomes.12 Macroeconomic imbalances are
III. Country Context: Challenging Environment
reemerging compounded by five consecutive years of recession. For
for STARS
The Technical Support and Diagnostics for the Sudan Family example, Sudan may not be able to mobilize resources for the social
Support Program supported the program implementation. The protection sector and the sector achievements will be compromised.
IV: STARS Financial Status and
Portfolio Performance TA focused on strengthening the social safety nets delivery systems Prolonging the resolution of the political conflict and associated
including (i) developing registration and enrollment system, ensuring pause of external grants and technical assistance risks undermining
women were given priority in the enrollment and registration process the sustainability of results achieved.
V: Assessment of outcomes and
STARS Contribution and eventual receipt of grants; (ii) deploying the use of digital
payment (e.g., mobile money, cash cards and Bank accounts); (iii)
VI: Lessons Learned and Considerations strengthening the MIS system that was linked to various data sources;
Moving Forward (iv) developing outreach and communication manual and citizen
engagement platforms, and (v) supporting the Social Protection
Annex 1: Results Framework Diagnostics to be completed in FY24.
Annex 2: Highlights of Results AchievedDuring
the last STARS Annual ProgressReport January
to June 2022
Annex 3: STARS-Supported SESNP Results 11
The training of staff took place during FY23 and was financed by STARS Trust fund (TF0B4119).
Indicators, Baselines, Targets, and Achievements 12
While Some outputs of the project like cash and food grants may not be sustainable due to the country’s current economic and political environment, project-supported
systems/approaches (e.g., biometric registration, MIS, GRM as a foundation for a national integrated social registry) are likely to be maintained once peace and order
is restored.
STARS ANNUAL REPORT 2023 | 24
Acknowlegements
Section VI
Foreword
LESSONS LEARNED AND CONSIDERATIONS
Acronyms and Abbreviations
MOVING FORWARD
I. Executive Summary
esign
II. STARS Development Objectives, D Lessons Learned The third-party implementation modality has strengthened
and Relevance capacity building and is expected to facilitate transferability of
Flexibility is critical for implementing programs that promptly
systems to government after normalization. As the implementing
adapt to urgent needs in a challenging environment. The World
III. Country Context: Challenging Environment agency, WFP has extensive experience delivering safety net
Bank flexibly responded to the urgent needs of the Sudanese people
for STARS programs in fragile and challenging contexts and coordinating with
in the face of deteriorating living conditions, closely collaborated
local non-state actors and the private sector. In implementing the
with STARS partners, and identified the WFP as the appropriate
IV: STARS Financial Status and SESNP, the WFP has contributed to building the national capacity
third-party implementing agency for prompt implementation of the
Portfolio Performance by involving Sudanese nationals in project delivery to create a
Sudan Emergency Safety Nets Project. Making use of operational
critical mass and built on existing systems and instruments (e.g.,
flexibilities such as third-party implementation modality, has allowed
V: Assessment of outcomes and MIS, targeting and biometric registration, GRM, payment systems)
the World Bank to stay relevant and engaged within the boundaries of
STARS Contribution to facilitate transferability to government once the pause is lifted. The
OP 7.30 and strengthened donor coordination. Given the diminished
experience has also led to strengthening WFP internal safeguards
capabilities of financial services and the liquidity crisis, following the
VI: Lessons Learned and Considerations and grievance redress mechanisms, as well as its community
Moving Forward armed conflict, SESNP implementation remains flexible, supplying
engagement and communication efforts following close training
vital food commodities in the accessible targeted states (i.e., Al-Gezira
and supervision by World Bank social risk management experts.
and Red Sea), instead of utilizing cash-based assistance. Flexibility
Annex 1: Results Framework Several NGO implementing partners were also trained in social risk
was also evident in implementing SFSP in phases to accommodate
management and community engagement which contributed to their
the delayed signing and transfer of pledged commitments.
Annex 2: Highlights of Results AchievedDuring capacity building.
the last STARS Annual ProgressReport January
to June 2022
Annex 3: STARS-Supported SESNP Results
Indicators, Baselines, Targets, and Achievements
STARS ANNUAL REPORT 2023 | 25
Acknowlegements
The simplicity of social protection program design tailored Looking Forward
to the highly volatile environment has facilitated effective
Foreword Going forward, the World Bank’s approach will focus on
implementation as evidenced by the results achieved. The
supporting short- and medium-term resilience at the community
program design focused on few interventions related to providing
Acronyms and Abbreviations level. In the face of uncertainty and inability to channel funds to
unconditional cash and food transfers, underpinned by the WFP
government, there is a need to embed medium term approach to the
Food Insecurity and Vulnerability Assessment. The results indicators
humanitarian crisis13 to support livelihoods and reduce dependency.
I. Executive Summary were consequently few (i.e., number of beneficiaries of social safety
While addressing immediate food security needs and aiming at
nets program, and beneficiaries satisfied with the delivery of the
enhancing capacity for short- and medium-term crisis response (e.g.,
esign
II. STARS Development Objectives, D program) and their targets were set at reasonable levels in line with
and Relevance SESNP that remains active), the approach also focuses on medium
implementation constraints. These attributes have helped facilitate
term resilience by supporting livelihoods. STARS four thematic areas
implementation and achieved notable results, surpassing almost
of focus are purposefully broad to capture the range of potential
III. Country Context: Challenging Environment all targets.
for STARS programming under STARS depending on the evolution of the
situation in Sudan and available financing.
The World Bank and STARS development partners continued
IV: STARS Financial Status and
to have a focus on preserving the social protection system
Portfolio Performance
building. While adopting a third-party implementor, the World
Bank and partners continued to focus on social protection system
V: Assessment of outcomes and
STARS Contribution building that could later be transferred to government and contribute
to building a modern and adaptive system to be resourced by the
government. The continued focus on existing systems and national
VI: Lessons Learned and Considerations
Moving Forward capacity enhances the likelihood of their transferability.
Annex 1: Results Framework
Annex 2: Highlights of Results AchievedDuring
the last STARS Annual ProgressReport January
to June 2022
Annex 3: STARS-Supported SESNP Results
Indicators, Baselines, Targets, and Achievements
13
While a comprehensive needs assessment is missing, the UN estimated some US$3.03 billion would be needed to provide urgent aid in Sudan and for over one million
that fled into neighboring countries. The UN held pledging conference for Sudan raised only US$1.5 billion to fund life-saving relief efforts.
STARS ANNUAL REPORT 2023 | 26
Acknowlegements Annex 1
Foreword RESULTS FRAMEWORK
Acronyms and Abbreviations Table 1: Sudan Transition and Recovery Support Results Framework
Development objective: Support government of Sudan’s economic and peacebuilding transition and
build country delivery systems, including for crisis response.
I. Executive Summary
Unit of End Actual STARS Definition/
Baseline
measure target (as of June 30, 2023) Portfolio Description
esign
II. STARS Development Objectives, D
and Relevance Pillar 1: SOCIAL PROTECTION Describe Outcome 1: Enhanced access to social protection
III. Country Context: Challenging Environment Outcome 1 Indicators
for STARS Indicator 1.1: Increased Percentage 0 50 94.2 SPFP & Number of individual beneficiaries
access to social protection SESNP covered by social protection projects
project services or other projects that the World Bank
IV: STARS Financial Status and supports. Projects are designed to
Portfolio Performance provide assistance (in-kind or cash)
to families or individuals, including
those who need help to manage
V: Assessment of outcomes and the consequences of the economic
STARS Contribution reforms or other shocks.
Indicator 1.2: Increased Number 0 2,000,000 6,883,366 SPFP & Number of households receiving
VI: Lessons Learned and Considerations access to receiving cash 4,700,000 (SFSP) SESNP cash or income support from World
Moving Forward or income support Bank–financed projects (SPFP &
2,143,66 (SESNP) SESNP)
Indicator 1.3: Increased Number 0 14 14 SPFP & Number of states that SFSP and
Annex 1: Results Framework number of states SESNP SESNP or other projects that the
implementing social World Bank supports cover
protection programs
Annex 2: Highlights of Results AchievedDuring
the last STARS Annual ProgressReport January Indicator 1.4: Yes/No No Yes Yes SPFP & Improved expenditure management
to June 2022 Increased poverty- SESNP system, which increases the
related expenditures opportunity to direct more spending
to priority “poverty-reduction”
Annex 3: STARS-Supported SESNP Results sectors
Indicators, Baselines, Targets, and Achievements
Indicator 1.5: Yes/No No Yes Yes SPFP &
Strengthened targeting SESNP
and payment systems
STARS ANNUAL REPORT 2023 | 27
Acknowlegements Unit of End Actual STARS Definition/
Baseline
measure target (as of June 30, 2023) Portfolio Description
Foreword Outcome 1 Indicators (cont.)
Intermediate Results Indicators
Acronyms and Abbreviations Indicator1.6: Percentage Percentage 0 2.4 34.64 percent of families (SFSP) SPFP & Direct female beneficiaries who
of female families 62 percent of individual SESNP benefited from the SFSP program
beneficiaries headed by beneficiaries (SESNP) and SESNP
I. Executive Summary women receiving cash or
income support
Indicator1.7: Functional Yes/No No Yes •M
emorandum of understanding SPFP NCR platform that functions across
esign
II. STARS Development Objectives, D
national registry platform signed with Ministry of the the country receives support to
and Relevance Interior to upgrade NCR expand coverage of SFSP
systems
III. Country Context: Challenging Environment
•R esponsibility of NCR is to
for STARS increase number of Sudanese
with national identification
number by at least 5 million
IV: STARS Financial Status and over the course of SFSP
Portfolio Performance
• Work plan and budget
developed to provide NCR
with necessary equipment to
V: Assessment of outcomes and facilitate registration and mobile
STARS Contribution registration units
Indicator 1.8: Average Days 0 15 45 (SFSP) SPFP & How long it takes to transfer funds
VI: Lessons Learned and Considerations number of days for funds 02 (SESNP) SESNP from central account to beneficiaries’
to reach beneficiary digital accounts.
Moving Forward
accounts
Indicator 1.9: Average Days 0 15 9 SESNP How long it takes to transfer
Annex 1: Results Framework number of days for food from warehouses to reach
food transfers to reach beneficiaries
beneficiaries from
Annex 2: Highlights of Results AchievedDuring Cooperating Partner
the last STARS Annual ProgressReport January Warehouses
to June 2022
Indicator 1.10: Time Days 0 5 3 SESNP SESNP How long it takes to transfer
between generation of funds from payroll to the Service
Annex 3: STARS-Supported SESNP Results payroll, and fund transfer Providers and to beneficiaries.
Indicators, Baselines, Targets, and Achievements to Payment Service
Providers
STARS ANNUAL REPORT 2023 | 28
Acknowlegements Unit of End Actual STARS Definition/
Baseline
measure target (as of June 30, 2023) Portfolio Description
Outcome 1 Indicators (cont.)
Foreword
Indicator1.11: Percentage Percentage 0 100 132.8 SSNP Number of households selected
of recertified households and registered as eligible for cash
Acronyms and Abbreviations included in cash transfer transfer support
beneficiary registry
I. Executive Summary Indicator1.12: Number of Number 0 1,500,000 880,279 Number of households selected and
newly registered/verified registered by WFP as eligible for
beneficiaries enrolled cash transfer support
by WFP using biometric
esign
II. STARS Development Objectives, D
registration
and Relevance
Indicator 1.13: Increase in Yes/No No Yes Yes SSNP Impact of project’s technical
accessibility to livelihood assistance on accessibility of
III. Country Context: Challenging Environment services livelihood services, including other
for STARS livelihood support activities, to
PSN beneficiaries (according to
beneficiary perception survey)
IV: STARS Financial Status and
Portfolio Performance Indicator 1.14: % of Percentage 0 80% 76.4% SESNP
Beneficiaries satisfied with
the delivery of cash/food
V: Assessment of outcomes and transfers
STARS Contribution Indicator 1.15: Complaints Percentage 0 80% 93% SESNP Relationship between Claims and
resolved in 30 days or less Response; measures the ability
through GRM of project to respond timely to
VI: Lessons Learned and Considerations beneficiaries claims.
Moving Forward
Pillar 2: ECONOMIC REVIVAL AND Describe Outcome 2: Improved macroeconomic performance and enhanced
BETTER GOVERNANCE transparency and accountability in government institutions
Annex 1: Results Framework
Outcome 2 Indicators
Indicator 2.1: Transparency Yes/No No Yes Informing stakeholders in a timely
Annex 2: Highlights of Results AchievedDuring
and accountability manner about the activities to be
the last STARS Annual ProgressReport January implemented and the governance
to June 2022 and feedback mechanisms.
Indicator 2.2: Yes/No No Yes Implementing suggested best
Annex 3: STARS-Supported SESNP Results Recommended policies, course of actions and restructures to
Indicators, Baselines, Targets, and Achievements programs, and reforms to support renewal of microeconomic
support macroeconomic allocations and interactions
revival adopted
STARS ANNUAL REPORT 2023 | 29
Acknowlegements
Unit of End Actual STARS Definition/
Baseline
measure target (as of June 30, 2023) Portfolio Description
Foreword
Outcome 2 Indicators (cont.)
Acronyms and Abbreviations Indicator 2.3: Quality of Yes/No No Yes Improving value of laws in terms
laws promoting access of contracts ruling the financial
to financial services procedures to serve its target
I. Executive Summary improved efficiently and more widely
Indicator 2.4: Access Yes/No No Yes Number of individuals and families
to financial services who have received trainings and
esign
II. STARS Development Objectives, D increased linked to microfinance institutions
and Relevance
Intermediate Results Indicators
III. Country Context: Challenging Environment Indicator 2.5: National Yes/No No Yes National data protection and privacy
data protection and law submitted to governing council
for STARS
privacy law
Indicator 2.6: Yes/No No Yes Final revision for framework needed
IV: STARS Financial Status and Legal, regulatory, before being adopted
Portfolio Performance and supervisory
framework reviewed
V: Assessment of outcomes and Indicator 2.7: National Yes/No No Yes Strategy in its final form ready to be
STARS Contribution financial inclusion executed
strategy finalized
Pillar 3: PEACEBUILDING, RESILIENCE, AND Describe Outcome 3: Strengthened resilience and improved access to
VI: Lessons Learned and Considerations
BASIC SERVICES basic services
Moving Forward
Outcome 3 Indicators
Annex 1: Results Framework Indicator 3.1: Percentage Percentage 0 TBD Cumulative percentage of people
of people with access to who benefited from improved basic
improved basic services services that have been constructed
Annex 2: Highlights of Results AchievedDuring package or provided under the projects
the last STARS Annual ProgressReport January
Indicator 3.2: Access to Number 0 1,000 Cumulative percentage of people
to June 2022
employment opportunities who benefited from improved work
created by projects environment and opportunities
Annex 3: STARS-Supported SESNP Results Indicator 3.3: Number Number 0 TBD Activities implemented by projects
Indicators, Baselines, Targets, and Achievements of activities supporting supporting peacebuilding and
peacebuilding and resilience
resilience
STARS ANNUAL REPORT 2023 | 30
Acknowlegements
Unit of End Actual STARS Definition/
Baseline
measure target (as of June 30, 2023) Portfolio Description
Foreword
Outcome 3 Indicators (cont.)
Acronyms and Abbreviations Indicator 3.4: Better Yes/No 0 No Number of women who received
livelihoods for women livelihood support
Intermediate Results Indicators
I. Executive Summary
Indicator 3.5: Number of Number 0 850 1,278 Number of beneficiaries who have
beneficiaries who have received livelihood assets and skills
esign
II. STARS Development Objectives, D received livelihood assets training
and Relevance and skills training
Indicator 3.6: Number Number 0 TBD Households reached through
III. Country Context: Challenging Environment of households reached different mechanism of basic
through basic service services
for STARS
delivery mechanisms
Indicator 3.7: Number of Number 0 TBD Activities designed and
IV: STARS Financial Status and activities that incorporate implemented based on knowledge
Portfolio Performance
risk and resilience factors of risk and resilience
Describe Outcome 4: Effective response emergencies in support to
Pillar 4: CRISIS RESPONSE
V: Assessment of outcomes and Sudanese development efforts
STARS Contribution
Outcome 4 Indicators
Indicator 4.1: Increased Percentage TBD TBD Availability of more procedures that
VI: Lessons Learned and Considerations access to emergency can mitigate impact of unexpected
Moving Forward response intervention occurrences
Indicator 4:2: Percentage TBD TBD Reinforcement of proper handling
Annex 1: Results Framework Strengthened crisis of information collection and
management and processing to address a crisis
communication situation
Annex 2: Highlights of Results AchievedDuring mechanisms
the last STARS Annual ProgressReport January
Indicator 4:3: Increased Percentage TBD TBD
to June 2022
access to emergency
response intervention
Annex 3: STARS-Supported SESNP Results
Indicators, Baselines, Targets, and Achievements
STARS ANNUAL REPORT 2023 | 31
Acknowlegements
Unit of End Actual STARS Definition/
Baseline
measure target (as of June 30, 2023) Portfolio Description
Foreword
Outcome 4 Indicators (cont.)
Acronyms and Abbreviations Intermediate Results Indicators
Indicator 4.4: Health Number 0 1,000 94 (9.4%): 34 male, 60 female Health staff receiving infection
staff trained in infection prevention and control training that
I. Executive Summary prevention and control follows World Health Organization
(disaggregated) evidence-based practices and
protocols, disaggregated according
esign
II. STARS Development Objectives, D to gender
and Relevance
Indicator 4.5: Beneficiaries Number 0 2,000,000 2,000,000 Number of beneficiaries approached
reached through by any emergency preparedness or
III. Country Context: Challenging Environment emergency operations management services
for STARS
Indicator 4.6: Crisis Yes/No No Yes Functional crisis plan and effective
management plan and crisis communication
communication strategy
IV: STARS Financial Status and
developed
Portfolio Performance
Indicator 4.7: Percentage Percentage 8 100 100 Number of patients testing positive
of targeted healthcare for COVID-19 or their care takers (if
V: Assessment of outcomes and facilities with clinical deceased) who are satisfied with
STARS Contribution capacity for COVID-19 the treatment received divided by
patients number of patients testing positive
for COVID-19
VI: Lessons Learned and Considerations
Moving Forward
Annex 1: Results Framework
Annex 2: Highlights of Results AchievedDuring
the last STARS Annual ProgressReport January
to June 2022
Annex 3: STARS-Supported SESNP Results
Indicators, Baselines, Targets, and Achievements
STARS ANNUAL REPORT 2023 | 32
Acknowlegements
Annex 2
Foreword
HIGHLIGHTS OF RESULTS ACHIEVED DURING
Acronyms and Abbreviations
THE LAST STARS ANNUAL PROGRESS REPORT
I. Executive Summary MAY 2020 TO DECEMBER 2021
esign
II. STARS Development Objectives, D
and Relevance
Social Protection Thematic Area: Progress achieved shows that as of end 2021, 4.7 million people
III. Country Context: Challenging Environment
Sudan Family Support Project (SFSP) received SFSP payments, which is more than 40 percent of the target
for STARS
of 11.3 million. An Additional Financing or second phase was approved
The SFSP paid direct cash transfers to approximately 4.7 million
in March 2021 that added US$210 million from PACG and US$210
people, of whom 36 percent are women by the end of 202114. The
million from STARS, aiming to reach 13.4 million Sudanese, and thus
IV: STARS Financial Status and SFSP intended to provide cash transfers to Sudanese using a phased
Portfolio Performance
raising the total number of targeted beneficiaries to 24.7 million by
approach. To accommodate the delayed signing and transfer of
end June 2023. The Sudan Reengagement and Reform Development
pledged commitments, the SFSP includes two phases-- --with total
V: Assessment of outcomes and Policy Financing (DPO-P175139) also supported the implementation
funding of US$820 million (provided by the World Bank’s Pre-Arrears
STARS Contribution of the SFSP s detailed in the table below.
Clearance Grant (PACG) of US$410 million and matched by several
development partners through the Sudan Transition and Recovery
VI: Lessons Learned and Considerations Support Trust Fund (STARS) targeting 24.7 million beneficiaries by The SFSP implementation was advancing rapidly prior to the
Moving Forward pause. Measures were taken to expedite the execution of the SFSP,
June 2023.15 The first phase, approved on October 8, 2020, is funded
by US$400 million (US$200 million from PACG and $200 million from including the opening of 352 enrolment centers to support registration
Annex 1: Results Framework STARS) targeting 11.3 million beneficiaries by December 31, 2022. of beneficiaries. Approximately 9.3 million people were registered by
October 2021.
Annex 2: Highlights of Results AchievedDuring
the last STARS Annual ProgressReport January
to June 2022
Annex 3: STARS-Supported SESNP Results
Indicators, Baselines, Targets, and Achievements 14
World Bank 2022. Sudan Transition and Recovery Support (STARS) Trust Fund Annual Report.
15
STARS development partners include Canada, European Union, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Spain, Netherlands, Norway, State and
Peace Building Trust Fund, Sweden, and United Kingdom.
STARS ANNUAL REPORT 2023 | 33
Acknowlegements
SFSP Phases and DPF Financing and Coverage
Foreword
Percent of
Decision Targeted Beneficiaries Targeted Actual Beneficiaries
Approval Effectiveness the targeted
Review (million people) Date (million people)
population
Acronyms and Abbreviations
SFSP Phase 1 8-Sep-2020 8-Oct-2020 7-Dec-2020 11.3 1-Dec-2021 4.7 40%
(US$400 million)
I. Executive Summary
DPF 17-Dec-2020 25-Mar-2021 25-Mar-2021 16.0 1-Dec-2022 4.7 12%
esign
II. STARS Development Objectives, D
SFSP Phase 2 Number 16-Mar-2021 24-Mar-2021 13.4 SPFP & 4.7
and Relevance (US$420 m) SESNP
Total (Phase 1 &2) 24.7 SPFP & 4.7
III. Country Context: Challenging Environment (US$820 m) SESNP
for STARS
Source: World Bank staff estimates
IV: STARS Financial Status and
The strengthening of payment systems has promoted financial inclusion and accelerated SFSP payments. Following the approval of
Portfolio Performance
mobile money regulations, the SFSP has made considerable effort to coordinate closely with Sudan’s payment services providers (PSPs),
banks, telecommunication companies, and the Ministry of Interior National Civil Registry to support the strengthening of systems to accelerate
V: Assessment of outcomes and
STARS Contribution payments. To speed up payments, the World Food Program (WFP), the implementer of the SFSP pilot, contracted MTN Sudan as the mobile
money operator for the SFSP pilot. SFSP Beneficiaries with MTN SIM cards received transfers into a mobile money wallet with multiple transaction
options, including point-to-point, cash-out, cash-in, merchant payment, general medical services payments, and bill payments. Beneficiaries
VI: Lessons Learned and Considerations
Moving Forward with a Zain or Sudatel SIM card received a mobile money voucher from MTN in their mobile phone. Through the SFSP, the government has also
been working with different players to strengthen systems to accelerate payments. Systems being used for payments included mobile money
(covering 60 percent of paid beneficiaries)16 , bank (covering 11 percent), and cash card (covering the remaining 29 percent)17.
Annex 1: Results Framework
Annex 2: Highlights of Results AchievedDuring
the last STARS Annual ProgressReport January
to June 2022
Annex 3: STARS-Supported SESNP Results 16
World Bank 2022. Sudan Transition and Recovery Support Trust Fund-STARS-Annual Report, Table 1, page17.
Indicators, Baselines, Targets, and Achievements 17
Other government efforts included dialogue with the Central Bank of Sudan to license MTN to have its own operating platform for mobile money, offering a license for
mobile money to Zain, paying 2 percent grant transfer fees to banks making payments to beneficiaries, and strengthening payment operational procedures including
accelerating validation of payment data by payment services providers (PSPs).
STARS ANNUAL REPORT 2023 | 34
Acknowlegements
Crisis Response Peacebuilding, Resilience
Foreword Thematic Area and Basic services
Providing COVID-19 vaccines to 19 percent of the population Before OP 7.30 activitation, outcomes of this thematic area
Acronyms and Abbreviations (12 fully vaccinated, 6 partially vaccinated and 1 percent received of focus included contribution to the greater capacity of the
a booster dose), through deployment of nearly 8 million doses of government to undertake education sector reforms, greater
COVID-19 vaccines under COVAX and AVATT, as of June 30, 2022. The resilience and participation of women and youth in development
I. Executive Summary
vaccines program covered all 18 states, with a focus on five vulnerable activities, and community asset creation. In addition, interventions
states mainly in Darfur and Kordofan. Although there was a pause also provided an important signal to people in conflict-affected areas.
esign
II. STARS Development Objectives, D
and Relevance to implementation and disbursement funds from STARS, the team They offered ways to move forward with development interventions
implementing the STARS-supported COVID Emergency Response regarding basic service delivery, livelihoods, and social inclusion,
Project (CERP) received an exemption to continue implementing using, where possible, community-driven development (STARS
III. Country Context: Challenging Environment
for STARS critical activities aimed at protecting lives, for example supporting the Annual Progress Report: Januarty to June 2022, page 7).
administering of the vaccines using funds already disbursed in the
IV: STARS Financial Status and project’s designated account. However, IDA- financed COVID project Economic Revival and
Portfolio Performance
that disbursed US$10 million (out of US$100 million) contributed to Better Governance
this progress.
Before the pause, activities implemented under this pillar
V: Assessment of outcomes and
contributed to adopting context-sensitive institutional policies,
STARS Contribution The STARS supported the management of the further spread of
fostered innovative approaches and instruments, and generated
the COVID-19 disease. The CERP supported (i) the establishment
evidence-based knowledge to address Sudan’s social and
VI: Lessons Learned and Considerations of a Monitoring and Evaluation system to monitor COVID-19
Moving Forward economic challenges. At the project preparation stage, STARS
preparedness and response; (ii) the development and scale-up of
informed new operations through diagnostic and analytical support,
risk communication activities (podcasting of radio, television material
local capacity building and dialogue, and knowledge dissemination
Annex 1: Results Framework production, and media campaign); (iii) estimated recovery of 40,807 of
(STARS Annual Progress Report: Januarty to June 2022, pages 7-8).
COVID-19 cases; and (iv) provision of personal protective equipment
Annex 2: Highlights of Results AchievedDuring (PPE) and training on infection prevention and control. Additionally,
the last STARS Annual ProgressReport January the project supported COVID-19 testing and capacity building in
to June 2022
monitoring and evaluation, ESS, and Planning.
Annex 3: STARS-Supported SESNP Results
Indicators, Baselines, Targets, and Achievements
STARS ANNUAL REPORT 2023 | 35
Acknowlegements
STARS Program of Analytical and Advisory
Foreword Services (ASA)
The ASA program was meant to complement and support
Acronyms and Abbreviations investment operations through tailored capacity building and
knowledge products. ASA program concentrated on pressing
needs for reengagement: financial stability and inclusion, macro and
I. Executive Summary
fiscal policy, poverty analytics, and the key sectors of health, water,
education, and agriculture.18 These ASA products contributed to the
esign
II. STARS Development Objectives, D
and Relevance design and, in some cases, implementation of projects addressing
Sudan’s fragility. For example, poverty analytics, technical support
and diagnostics oriented the distribution of cash transfers provided
III. Country Context: Challenging Environment
for STARS by the Sudan Family Support Program. The situation in Sudan since
the military takeover has slowed or halted implementation, as only
IV: STARS Financial Status and analytical work that does not require Government participation could
Portfolio Performance go forward, e.g., geodata/statistical analysis of historical disasters
and climate-related events or trends and projections of urban
V: Assessment of outcomes and population growth.
STARS Contribution
VI: Lessons Learned and Considerations
Moving Forward
Annex 1: Results Framework
Annex 2: Highlights of Results AchievedDuring
the last STARS Annual ProgressReport January
to June 2022
Annex 3: STARS-Supported SESNP Results
Indicators, Baselines, Targets, and Achievements
18
Also, a World Bank-IFC collaboration produced a Private Sector Diagnostic.
STARS ANNUAL REPORT 2023 | 36
Acknowlegements
Annex 3
Foreword
STARS-SUPPORTED SESNP RESULTS
Acronyms and Abbreviations
INDICATORS, BASELINES, TARGETS, AND ACHIEVEMENTS
I. Executive Summary
End Percent of
esign
II. STARS Development Objectives, D Indicator Name Base-line Progress Remarks
Target Target Achieved
and Relevance
PDO-level Indictors
Beneficiaries of social safety net programs (Number) 0 2,000,000 2,143,366 Exceeded Target exceeded by 7 percent
III. Country Context: Challenging Environment
for STARS Beneficiaries of social safety net programs, 0 1,000,000 1,297,473 Exceeded Target excceeded by 30 percent
Female (Number)
IV: STARS Financial Status and Beneficiaries of Safety Nets programs, Unconditional 0 1,900,000 1,984,759 Exceeded Target exceeded by 5 percent
cash transfers (Number)
Portfolio Performance
Beneficiaries of Safety Nets programs, In-kind 0 100,000 158,607 Exceeded Target exceeded by 60 percent
transfers (Number)
V: Assessment of outcomes and
STARS Contribution Female heads of beneficiaries’ households receiving 0 50.00 62 Exceeded Target exceedd by 12 percentage points
cash/income support (Percentage)
Female heads of beneficiaries’ households receiving 0 50.00 57 Exceeded Target exceeded by 7 percentage points
VI: Lessons Learned and Considerations
in-kind/food support (Percentage)
Moving Forward
Beneficiaries satisfied with the delivery of cash/food 0 80.00 94 Exceeded Target eccedd by 14 percentage points
transfers (Percentage)
Annex 1: Results Framework
Female heads of beneficiaries’ households, satisfied 0 80.00 92.5 Exceeded Target exceeded by 13 percentage points
with the delivery of cash/food transfers (Percentage)
Annex 2: Highlights of Results AchievedDuring
Intermediate Resuts Indictors
the last STARS Annual ProgressReport January
to June 2022 Average number of days for funds to reach 0 15.00 2.00 Exceeded Target exceedd by 7 folds
beneficiaries paid by commercial banks (Days)
Annex 3: STARS-Supported SESNP Results Enrolled beneficiaries to be paid by commercial banks 0 20.00 99.00 Exceeded Target exceedd by 77 percentage points
Indicators, Baselines, Targets, and Achievements (Percentage)
Time between generation of payroll, and fund transfer 8 5.00 3.00 Exceeded Target exceedd by 40 percent
to PSPs (Days)
STARS ANNUAL REPORT 2023 | 37
Acknowlegements
End Percent of
Indicator Name Base-line Progress Remarks
Target Target Achieved
Foreword
Intermediate Resuts Indictors (cont.)
Acronyms and Abbreviations Beneficiaries enrolled in mobile money (Percentage) 0 10.00 5.00 Partially Acieved 50 percent of the target was met
Average number of days for food transfers to 0 15 9 Exceeded Target exceedd by 50 percent
reach beneficiaries from Cooperating Partner
I. Executive Summary
Warehouses (Days)
Newly registered/verified beneficiaries enrolled by 0 1,500,000 1,377.101 Achieved 92 percent of the target was met
esign
II. STARS Development Objectives, D WFP using biometric registration (Number)
and Relevance
SESN branded as an Emergency Project (Yes/No) No Yes Yes Fully Achieved Brand worked as a project identity
Communication campaigns have been launched No Yes Yes Fully Achieved
III. Country Context: Challenging Environment (Yes/No)
for STARS
A hybrid system for tracking enquiries, complaints, No Yes Yes Fully Achieved Implemented Mobile App/Toll Free
and grievances (GRM) has been established (Yes/No) numbers for complaints
IV: STARS Financial Status and
Portfolio Performance Complaints resolved in 30 days or less through GRM 0 80 93 Exceeded Target exceedd by 13 percentage points
(Percentage)
ME&L impact evaluation baseline & follow-up survey No Yes Yes Fully Achieved ME&L impact evaluation baseline & &-&
V: Assessment of outcomes and conducted. (Yes/No) survey conducted
STARS Contribution
ME&L lessons drawn from Sudan’s Emergency Safety No Yes Yes Fully Achieved A report was developed that
Nets project experience in an evaluative report Contains lessons
VI: Lessons Learned and Considerations (Yes/No)
Moving Forward
Source: World Bank staff estimates based on project files, including PAD, ISRs, and Progress Reports.
Annex 1: Results Framework
Annex 2: Highlights of Results AchievedDuring
the last STARS Annual ProgressReport January
to June 2022
Annex 3: STARS-Supported SESNP Results
Indicators, Baselines, Targets, and Achievements
STARS ANNUAL REPORT 2023 | 38
Acknowlegements
Foreword
Acronyms and Abbreviations
I. Executive Summary
esign
II. STARS Development Objectives, D
and Relevance
III. Country Context: Challenging Environment
for STARS
IV: STARS Financial Status and
Portfolio Performance
V: Assessment of outcomes and
STARS Contribution
VI: Lessons Learned and Considerations
Moving Forward
Annex 1: Results Framework
Annex 2: Highlights of Results AchievedDuring
the last STARS Annual ProgressReport January
to June 2022
Annex 3: STARS-Supported SESNP Results
Indicators, Baselines, Targets, and Achievements
STARS ANNUAL REPORT 2023 | 39