The Sudanese Economy After the War: The Necessary and Expected

Report – Rehab Abdullah

After the successive victories achieved by the armed forces and their daily support, the frequency of questions has increased about the needs of the Sudanese economy after the war, what is required, and what its shape will be.

Changing the Paths
Economic expert Dr. Abdulazim Al-Mahl stated that the main requirement for the Sudanese economy after the war is first to change the path. This also includes changing the Sudanese person from being non-productive and “dependent,” preoccupied with politics, to being a positive and productive individual who has benefited from this lesson, in which great sacrifices were made. He added, “People usually don’t learn until they lose everything.”
The expert also saw that changing the path should include altering previous economic policies, shifting from focusing on agriculture to emphasizing industry.

Establishing Industrial Cities
He proposed the establishment of six large industrial cities across Sudan’s six regions, in addition to creating mixed farms to supply these factories with raw materials, thereby creating added value. He believes that these six complexes could generate over one hundred billion dollars annually for Sudan.
He stressed the need for complete digitization of all sectors and ministries, which he considered would increase revenues and reduce the cost of collecting them.
He also pointed out the necessity of regulating foreign presence, noting that if there are 11 million foreigners, their income could not be less than 250 million dollars per month, excluding other revenues, or they could return to their home countries. He indicated that all countries dealt with Sudanese refugees even during these critical times through their personal contributions.

Fighting Corruption
He called for the fight against corruption and nepotism, focusing on the economy and what benefits the citizens. Every Sudanese should focus on practical matters, alongside the formation of councils for each ministry, especially economic ones. He added, “These councils should not be consultative but should have binding decisions for the ministers, and they should be composed of experts in relevant fields. Long studies should be conducted by specialists and presented to donors, while benefiting from the public-private partnership system to finance various projects in infrastructure, agriculture, industry, services, and more.”

Security Stability
Former Governor of the Central Bank of Sudan, Assistant Mohamed Ahmed, stated that the economy does not stop because it is tied to people’s lives. Therefore, there is an interest in keeping it moving in parallel with the war.
He emphasized the importance of providing security stability in the country so that anyone can move safely and engage in activities without fear of threats. Investment, whether for individual needs or public investment, is directly linked to security, which is essential for a clear political stability, a functional executive government, and a clear program that leads everyone to contribute positively.
He noted that the ongoing war has halted many activities, leading to loss of lives, properties, and businesses, which is a huge issue that needs to be addressed.

Emergency Program
He proposed that in the coming period, there must be an integrated program addressing the economic aspect, with clear timelines and goals. This should be an emergency program that addresses the immediate issues of Sudanese citizens, particularly daily livelihoods, housing stability, and basic services like health, education, and food provision, especially since many have lost jobs, homes, and belongings.
He stressed that such a program must be clear and continued until people regain their positions and move from receiving aid to becoming producers again.

Restoring Normal Conditions
He emphasized the importance of a rescue program that addresses these issues clearly, and continues until people return to normal conditions, addressing issues of displacement and refugees, all of which are crucial matters that must be dealt with. One of the state’s priorities should be to help displaced people return to their homes to restart their work and economic activities, gradually transitioning from aid recipients to producers as they were before. This phase requires significant efforts and a national commitment, leveraging available mechanisms to resolve these issues. Many initiatives, like the existing “takiya” (aid) in some areas, have greatly eased the lives of those unable to move from their places, but there needs to be a more organized effort to stabilize people and provide basic necessities in the initial stages.

Economic Reforms
He noted the need to address the international community, seeking aid and support for sustainable financial assistance and distribution to beneficiaries. This is a right for Sudan as a member of many organizations, and if loans appear, there must be mechanisms to manage them.
He called for starting financial, monetary, investment, trade, and banking reforms, all of which require structured programs to support state institutions in performing their roles. The emergency program should be divided into short, medium, and long-term goals to ensure stability, recovery, and rebuilding of Sudan’s economy.

Political and Public Support
He emphasized that the emergency program needs political and public support, requiring that its period coincides with the opening of a transitional government with specific responsibilities for a set time, allowing citizens to return to their normal lives and livelihoods.

Defining Foreign Relations
He highlighted the importance of defining Sudan’s foreign relations, especially with countries that have supported Sudan’s interests during the war, whether through joint investments or attracting foreign capital for direct investment. He also emphasized the need for the transitional government to benefit from Sudan’s membership in regional and global organizations, utilizing technical or financial assistance, especially concessional loans.
He stressed the importance of encouraging national investment during this specific period to benefit from the private sector’s resources, despite the impact of the war. There are vast opportunities in Sudan for reconstruction and economic revitalization, and if the private sector is given the proper vision and facilitation, it could contribute significantly and open the door to foreign partnerships.

Challenges After the War
Economic expert Dr. Haitham Mohamed Fathi confirmed that one of the biggest challenges facing any country coming out of a war is finding the necessary financing for rebuilding. He mentioned that countries usually turn to external aid from donor countries or international institutions like the World Bank and the IMF. However, he emphasized that such aid is often insufficient or conditional on policies that may impose further challenges, such as harsh structural reforms that could increase the burden on citizens.