Sudan Central Bank: Nationwide 500 Pound Withdrawal by December 31

• Sudan's Central Bank is withdrawing all old 500 Sudanese pound banknotes nationwide, starting October 1, 2026.
• The final deadline for exchanging these old notes is December 31, 2026.
• This action is part of a multi-phase currency replacement program, now targeting regions like Kordofan and Darfur.
• The withdrawal is legally mandated under Article 25/3 of the Central Bank of Sudan Law of 2002.
• Individuals and businesses must exchange old 500-pound notes by the deadline to avoid financial loss and ensure compliance.

Businesses and individuals operating in Sudan must ensure all old 500 Sudanese pound banknotes are exchanged by December 31, 2026, to avoid financial loss and ensure compliance with central bank regulations.

The Central Bank of Sudan has initiated a nationwide withdrawal of all old printings of the 500 Sudanese pound banknote, effective October 1, 2026. This move mandates the removal of these specific denominations from circulation across all states in Sudan. The process is set to continue for a period of three months, culminating in a strict deadline for exchange.

This significant financial adjustment is grounded in the legal framework provided by Article 25/3 of the Central Bank of Sudan Law of 2002 (قانون بنك السودان المركزي 2002). The Central Bank's announcement confirms that this withdrawal is a direct continuation of earlier pronouncements regarding the phased replacement of the national currency.

The broader Sudanese pound currency replacement initiative commenced on December 10, 2024, initially targeting both the 1000 and 500 pound denominations. This structured approach aims to systematically update the currency in circulation, ensuring compliance with modern financial standards and security features.

The current withdrawal represents a subsequent phase in the ongoing currency replacement program. The Central Bank of Sudan had previously completed the second stage of this replacement process in mid-May, which encompassed the 1000 and 500 pound notes circulated in Khartoum, Al Jazirah, and White Nile states.

Crucially, this latest phase specifically targets states such as Kordofan and Darfur. These regions were not included in the initial or second phases of the currency exchange due to prevailing security conditions at the time. The mechanism for exchanging the affected banknotes involves depositing their nominal value, ensuring a straightforward process for holders of the old 500 Sudanese pound banknotes.

The Sudan Central Bank 500 pound withdrawal carries substantial implications for all financial stakeholders within the country. Businesses and individuals operating in Sudan must ensure all old 500 Sudanese pound banknotes are exchanged by December 31, 2026, to avoid financial loss and ensure compliance with central bank regulations. Failure to adhere to the Sudan 500 pound exchange deadline could result in the invalidation of these notes.

Legal and compliance teams are advised to proactively counsel their clients on the ramifications of this directive for ongoing financial transactions and established accounting practices. This measure, affecting all Central Bank of Sudan old 500 notes, necessitates immediate attention to prevent operational disruptions and maintain financial integrity.

Businesses and individuals operating in Sudan must ensure all old 500 Sudanese pound banknotes are exchanged by December 31, 2026, to avoid financial loss and ensure compliance with central bank regulations. Legal and compliance teams should advise clients on the implications for financial transactions and accounting practices.

Source: Original reporting via Sudan Tribune