Recurring glitches in the “Bankak” app, operated by the Bank of Khartoum, have become a problem that extends beyond banking services, as they have impacted buying, selling, and money transfers at a time when millions of Sudanese rely on electronic payments amid a cash shortage.
In recent days, users in various regions of Sudan have complained about difficulties logging into the app or completing transfers, while local reports indicate that the disruptions have affected daily transactions, including the purchase of goods, payment for services, and transportation tickets.
The crisis coincided with a growing reliance on the “Bankak” app in daily life, especially among families who receive money from relatives abroad. With cash in short supply in many areas, a family’s ability to purchase necessities has at times become dependent on the app’s ability to process transfers when needed.
In the markets, the impact of the disruption was immediately apparent. Merchants in Khartoum said that the disruption to banking apps led to a decline in buying and selling activity, while some citizens were forced to wait or seek alternative payment methods.
Local reports also noted an increase in demand for cash as electronic transfers faltered.
The disruption is not limited to “Bankak” alone; Fawaz Bank’s “Fawri” service has also faced intermittent outages, pointing to a broader problem with the digital payments system’s ability to handle the increasing operational pressure during the war.
Journalists and users said that some customers have begun choosing the early morning or evening hours to make transfers, hoping to avoid periods of network congestion, while others have turned to alternative banking apps or cash when available.
“In early September, the Bank of Khartoum apologized for the instability of its “Bankak” service, stating that its technical teams were working to address the technical challenges and improve the service. On September 11, the bank released a new update for the app that included fixes for software bugs, amid complaints that had persisted over the previous few days.
However, the problem also exposed the fragility of heavy reliance on banking apps in an economy ravaged by war. As access to cash dwindles, the importance of digital platforms for transferring money between cities, households, and merchants increases, and any disruption to these platforms can paralyze transactions that go beyond bank accounts.
This vulnerability is even more pronounced for households that rely on remittances from abroad. A disruption in the ability to receive or use funds does not necessarily mean the loss of the remittance, but it may delay the funds’ arrival to the household or temporarily prevent it from using its balance to purchase food or medicine or to pay for transportation and services.
Furthermore, a lack of liquidity is driving some users to seek alternative ways to convert electronic balances into cash, which imposes additional costs on citizens and increases pressure on the cash market. Local reports have linked the app disruptions to increased demand for liquidity and indirect effects on the foreign exchange market.
These developments present the banking sector with a challenge that goes beyond fixing a single app: How can a payments network be built that can remain operational during the war and provide alternatives when one of the main platforms goes down?
“For millions of Sudanese who rely on electronic money transfers for their daily needs, the stability of digital banking services is no longer merely a technical issue concerning banks alone, but rather a matter of being able to buy food and medicine, facilitate trade, and maintain daily life.
