Why Invest in Sudan

Of the major factors which represent an attraction to investors are the following:

Sudan’s strategic location:

The location of the Republic of the represents an entrance to Africa from the east and the fact that it is neighbored by African countries a few to which Sudan represents to the only sea outlet. The location on the Red Sea makes Sudan the centre of international markets; Middle East, Far East, Asia, Europe, and the USA as well as the recipient of ships crossing the into the Red Sea through the Suez Canal. Sudan is tied to some of the neighboring countries by airlines, roads, sea, and river transport.

Sudan’s rich resources:

The resources in the Sudan include agricultural land and fresh water resources, such as rivers, rain, and underground water. These are in addition to forests, meadows, animal resources and mineral resources which include petroleum, gold and other precious metals. Sudan is characterized by the availability of human resources represented in vocational labor, highly skilled graduates and very cheap rates for the available labor.  

Infrastructure and Service Facilities:

The infrastructure and service facilities are updateable in the light of the government policies.

To enhance the investment environment and keep up with the expected growth which is due after the discovery of petroleum and the establishment of peace in Sudan, the establishment of roads, railways, seaports, airports (national and international), telecommunications, electricity generation stations, water purification facilities, sanitation networks and others are very important.

A shift towards the enhancing the state of industrial areas, and building new industrial cities supplied with all the services necessary for investment are essential.

The availability of free zones in Suakin and El-Jaili cities grant encouraging exemptions to investors.

The availability of a banking sector, insurance sector, auditing, financial, technical and legal consultancy services.

The availability of educational and health facilities of high standard which contribute to providing necessary services to citizens and expatriates.

The availability of a modern construction sector which contributed to the abundance of houses, and offices rising to fulfill investors’ requirements.

Political stability:

The political stability is represented in the federal governing system which divided the country into 3 levels; the Federal, State and local levels and which guarantees participation by all citizens.

The country is run by a central government from the national capital Khartoum.

The country is divided into 16 states, each with its own government.

The government looks forward to solving the problem of the south to establish stability and security in the southern states and the entire county.

Sudan is also characterized by its independent judicial system which is capable of resolving all conflicts. Sudanese judicial and legislative systems are characterized by indiscrimination among Sudanese citizens and foreigners

Economic policies which include :

Liberalizing the economy

Restructuring the economy (privatization of public corporations ending the State's monopoly of certain production and service fields).

Modernization of laws and regulations of investment encouragement.

Implementing a flexible investment law which provides all sorts of exemptions and concessions which include the following:

complete exemption from customs fees for capital projects

freedom of capital transfer

simplify procedures through a single outlet “One Stop Shop”

grant exemptions from profit taxes of 5 to 10 years for investment projects

grant customs exemptions for strategic projects and non-strategic capital goods

strategic projects are given the necessary land free-of-charge

non-strategic projects are given land at an encouragement price

the investor has the right to operate without a Sudanese partner

The investment law has provided the following fundamental guarantees:  

no confiscation of property will occur except through the legal system and after payment of a reasonable compensation

the investor has the right to re-transfer the capital in case the project isn’t executed or is liquidated

transfer of profits and costs of finance will be executed in the currency of import and on the date due (after payment of the legal duties)

The project is automatically included in the registry of importers and exporters.

Regional and international agreements

to promote the investment climate  the Sudanese government has established number of regional agreements aimed at encouraging investment and creating trade  opportunities with other nations:

Sudan joined  the COMESA trade bloc

Sudan is looking forward to joining the World Trade Organization

Sudan is attempting to join the Arab Free Trade Organization in 2007

Sudan has strengthened relations with regional and international.