Can Digital Transformation Rescue Investment in Sudan?

Report by Intisar Fadlallah

In a country worn down by years of war, burdened by administrative complexities and the erosion of institutional capacity, digital transformation is emerging as one of the most viable paths toward economic reform. Against this backdrop, the has announced the launch of an electronic licensing service for individual investment projects through the national “Baldna” platform—hailed as the boldest step in years to reorganize Sudan’s investment landscape.

But is digitization alone enough to restore investor confidence? And does Sudan possess the necessary foundations to translate this move into genuine economic transformation?

A Bold Step at a Critical Moment

Ahlam Madani Mahdi, Secretary-General of the , announced the completion of full network integration for investment transactions, confirming that the new service enables investors to submit license applications, enter data, upload required documents, and track procedures entirely online.

“Digital transformation has become a strategic, non-negotiable choice to accelerate procedures, enhance institutional efficiency, and improve the investment climate,” Mahdi said, noting that the initiative aims to attract both domestic and foreign investments and support reconstruction efforts.

According to specialists, this development marks a shift from a traditional, bureaucracy-laden administrative system to a more flexible and transparent digital framework.

Investing in a Time of War: Complex Challenges

Since the outbreak of war, Sudan’s investment sector has sustained heavy blows. Thousands of projects have stalled, substantial capital has exited the country, investor confidence has eroded, and infrastructure and economic institutions have suffered widespread destruction.

Experts stress that rebuilding trust goes beyond offering financial incentives. It begins with reforming the business environment—streamlining procedures, combating bureaucracy, and expanding electronic services.

Economist Dr. Hassan Al-Rayeh described the launch of electronic licensing services as “a strong message of reassurance to investors that the state is committed to improving the business climate despite the difficult circumstances.” Speaking to Eilaf, he added that “global experiences show digitization can reduce processing times by as much as 60 percent.”

From Offices to Platforms: A New Investor Journey

Previously, investors often traveled long distances and spent weeks—if not months—chasing paperwork and approvals. Today, the picture appears different.

Ahmed Abdullah, a young investor and among the first to benefit from the new service, told Eilaf: “I completed my application in less than an hour and was able to track my transaction step by step without visiting any offices. This is an unprecedented experience in Sudan.”

Entrepreneur Seham Babiker Osman believes the service represents “a genuine opportunity to encourage women and young people to enter the investment sphere without fear of administrative complications.”

Is Digitization Enough?

Despite broad praise for the initiative, experts caution against excessive optimism, emphasizing that digitization—while important—is not sufficient on its own.

Adel Abdelrahman, a specialist in economic development, stated: “The success of digital transformation depends on stable economic policies, reliable electricity and internet access, and security guarantees. Investors evaluate the entire ecosystem, not just procedures.”

He added that “the real challenge lies in sustaining and continuously upgrading the service, and ensuring it integrates all entities involved in the investment process.”

Between Recovery and Reconstruction: The Next Phase

According to its statements, the aims to attract greater domestic and foreign investment and contribute to rebuilding what the war has destroyed—a daunting mission amid a fragile economic reality.

Observers, however, argue that integrating investment services into a unified digital system could lay the foundation for gradual economic recovery, revitalizing production, creating jobs, and reinforcing social stability.

A Courageous Move

The launch of electronic project licensing through the “Baldna” platform represents a bold step along a long road toward reforming Sudan’s investment environment. Although significant challenges remain, the initiative opens a genuine window of hope for restoring confidence, attracting capital, and stimulating the post-war economy.

The key question remains: Will this experiment achieve a meaningful breakthrough in Sudan’s economic crisis, or will it remain a promising initiative constrained by a complex reality?