Three new banks are expected to begin operations in El Geneina, the capital of West Darfur, as authorities and financial institutions move to expand formal banking services and ease the city’s worsening liquidity crisis.
Sources said the banks are completing the technical and administrative procedures required to open their branches, with operations expected to begin in the coming period.
The expansion comes amid growing instability in El Geneina’s financial market, where shortages of cash, increased currency speculation and the rapid growth of parallel-market trading have disrupted business activity.
The liquidity crisis has also affected exchange rates, raised the cost of financial transfers between states and contributed to higher prices for basic goods.
Local traders and business owners hope the arrival of the new banks will increase competition and improve access to services including account openings, money transfers, commercial financing and support for local investment.
The new branches could also help restore confidence in the formal banking system and reduce dependence on informal financial networks, which have expanded significantly during the war.
Business representatives said stronger banking activity could help stabilise financial transactions, support trade and improve the wider economic environment in West Darfur.
