Hawas Magazine Celebrates 15 Years and Holds Workshop on “Electronic Payment Systems and Their Role in Financial Inclusion”
_Hawas Magazine_ organized a scientific workshop titled:
*”Electronic Payment Systems and Their Role in Financial Inclusion”* at Al Salam Hotel in Khartoum, in celebration of 15 years since its establishment. The event was attended by ministers, officials, bankers, and experts from the financial and media sectors. The workshop program was presented by *Ms. Awatif Mohamed Abdullah*.
A Message of Recovery for the Capital
The Editor-in-Chief of the magazine, *Mr. Tariq Sharif Satti*, affirmed that holding the celebration at night in Khartoum sends a clear message confirming the capital’s recovery and the resumption of its activities. He praised the resilience of the Sudanese banking sector and the efficiency of the staff at the Central Bank of Sudan and commercial banks.
Digital Transformation: A Pillar for the Future
The Minister of Culture, Information, Tourism and Antiquities, *Mr. Khalid Al-Ayser*, congratulated _Hawas Magazine_ on its 15th anniversary, emphasizing that it has become a landmark in the Sudanese media scene and a platform for knowledge and dialogue.
He stressed that digital transformation and electronic payment systems constitute a fundamental pillar for rebuilding the national economy, promoting financial inclusion, and enhancing institutional efficiency. He also commended the professional journey of Editor-in-Chief *Mr. Tariq Sharif Satti*.
Partnership
The General Manager of Al Salam Hotel Khartoum, *Mr. Yahya Mirghani*, highlighted the importance of digital transformation and banking applications, and affirmed the hotel’s continued partnership with _Hawas Magazine_ in organizing the forum
Specialized Scientific Papers
The scientific session was chaired by *Dr. Al-Sadiq Jamal Al-Din*, Director of the Telecommunications and Postal Regulatory Authority and Acting Undersecretary of the Ministry of Digital Transformation and Communications.
The workshop papers were presented by:
– *Mr. Taj Shanon*, Banking Expert
– *Mr. Zahir Mohamed Othman Faqiri*, Director of Supervision and Development, General Administration of Payment Systems, Central Bank of Sudan
– *Mr. Saif Al-Din Bari*, General Manager of EBS
– *Ms. Somaya Othman Bashir*, Director of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Financing Department, General Administration of Financial Inclusion, Central Bank of Sudan
The workshop also included interventions by:
*Dr. Ahmed Al-Siddiq Jibril*, CEO of Nile Bank;
*Mr. Negm Al-Din Khalafalla Al-Dukhayri*, General Manager of Farmers Commercial Bank;
*Dr. Essam Batran*, Secretary General of the Supreme Council for Strategy and Information, Khartoum State.
Banks’ Experiences in Electronic Payment*
Participating banks showcased their experiences in electronic payment:
– *Mr. Mohamed Adam Hamid*, Marketing Manager, Nile Bank, presented the bank’s experience with the *”Sahl”* application.
– *Mr. Salah Al-Din Al-Fadil*, Director of Electronic Payment, Farmers Commercial Bank, presented the *”Masrafak”* application.
– *Mr. Osman Abdel Azim*, General Manager, Commercial Real Estate Bank, presented the features of the *”Aqari Mobile”* application.
– *Mr. Abdullah Idris Al-Abbas*, CEO, Al-Balad Bank, presented the *”Baladna”* application.
– *Mr. Salah Mohamed Abdel Rahim*, General Manager, Sudan Agricultural Bank, presented the bank’s experience in financial inclusion.
The session concluded with a presentation by *Mr. Ghandi Al-Mu’tasim*, the initiator of the idea of the first digital bank in Sudan, who addressed the future of digital transformation and digital banking experiences.
Attendance and Honors
The event was honored by the presence of:
*Mr. Khalid Al-Ayser*, Minister of Culture, Information, Tourism and Antiquities;
*Dr. Sami Abdel Hafiz*, Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Sudan;
*Dr. Somaya Al-Hadi*, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Information;
*Dr. Essam Batran*, Secretary General of the Supreme Council for Strategy and Information;
*Mr. Ehab Hashim*, Commissioner of the Investment Promotion Commission, Khartoum State;
along with several executive and banking leaders.
The workshop witnessed broad participation from leaders of the Central Bank, commercial banks, experts, university professors, editors-in-chief, and journalists. It received extensive media coverage from satellite channels, newspapers, and online platforms.
Recommendations and Conclusion
The event concluded with honoring the participating institutions:
Ministry of Culture, Information, Tourism and Antiquities; Ministry of Digital Transformation and Communications; and the Central Bank of Sudan.
The sponsoring entities were also honored:
*Main Sponsor*: Nile Bank and Al-Dhahabi Group
*Partner Sponsor*: Al Salam Hotel
*Diamond Sponsor*: Farmers Commercial Bank and EBS
*Gold Sponsors*: Sudan Agricultural Bank and Commercial Real Estate Bank
*Silver Sponsor*: Al-Balad Bank and Al-Nile Al-Azraq Al-Mashreq Bank
*Mr. Taj Shanon*, Banking Expert, was also honored in appreciation of his contributions to the development of banking work.
The workshop issued a final statement containing several recommendations aimed at strengthening electronic payment systems and expanding financial inclusion. The recommendations were submitted to the relevant authorities for implementation.