Is Khartoum Ready for Solar Energy?

Monthly Business Magazine Sudan April 2021 Business HISTORY IN THE MAKING: UMM DUKHN FIRST SUDANESE FEMALES FREE ZONE IN STATIONED AT OILFIELD DARFUR, A ROUTE CAMPS TO PORT SUDAN FOR WEST AFRICAN SUDAN HAS THE ECONOMIES CHEAPEST MOBILE DATA IN AFRICA

SUDAN - US INVESTMENT FORUM SHOWCASES OPPORTUNITIES OREEED IS READY FOR E-COMMMERCE

SCHLUMBERGER AND NATIONAL UPSTREAM SOLUTIONS SIGN MOU

TECHNICAL ANALYSIS: ASSESSMENT OF SOLAR ENERGY OTHER POTENTIAL IN KHARTOUM FETATURES GOVERNMENT TO INCORPORATE BLOCKCHAIN IN DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION STRATEGY Sudan Business Magazine April 2021 www.sudanbusinessmagazine.com

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2 Contents

Abu Dhabi listed Sudatel offers Elmerikh football club on a 5 an option for risk-on investors 21 spending spree hires former Newcastle midfielder as coach & plans for football academy Sudan Permits Non-Islamic 6 Banking as It Rebuilds Global Ties Technical Analysis Spatial 22 assessment of Solar Energy potential in Khartoum Sudan to Receive $400 Million 7 from Saudi Arabia, UAE for US investment forum sponsored Agriculture, State Media Says 28 by Trade and Development Bank, The Boeing Company, Lindsay Sudan has the Cheapest and Visa Inc. 8 Mobile Data in Africa, Kenya and S/Africa Have the Most Expensive UNAMID premises handed over to 31 University of Zalingei Umm Dukhn Free Zone in Darfur, a route to Port Sudan for 10 Schlumberger and National West African economies 32 Upstream Solutions (NUS) sign a strategic collaboration MOU Saudi Arabia’s Alba Nova signs 10 agreement between to promote Leadership and self-managing livestock and meat exports 34 Manage yourself by managing your mid-career opportunities Sudanese-Spanish cooperation on 11 water use and flood risk History in the making: First 35 Sudanese females stationed Legal opinion avoiding at oilfield camps 12 corporate failures in sudan Dr. AbdelGadir Warsama Ghalib Accelerate2030 launches in Corporate Legal Counsel 36 Sudan to scale entrepreneurial solutions for the Sustainable INTERVIEW Development Goals 14 Mohamed Badreldin Mahgoub General Manager at oreeed

Egypt & Sudan Airways 17 sign MoU to boost ties

Sudanese government to 18 incorporate Blockchain in Digital transformation strategy Subscribe

Sudan business magazine is Sudan’s premier business monthly for business development executives, entrepreneurs, decision-makers, and corporate leaders.

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4 SUDAN BUSINESS MAGAZINE Abu Dhabi listed Sudatel offers an option for risk- on investors

udatel Telecommunications Group Ltd. has a Dh506 million market capitalization Son Abu Dhabi Exchange. It is an appealing way for investors to get exposure to West Africa. The firm, majority-owned by a Sudanese government entity, is certainly not for the risk-averse due to the conflict-ridden history and political risks in this region.

Nevertheless, some developments offer a lot of hope for the discerning investor. Sudan, the biggest market of Sudatel, was Source:gulfnews.com removed from the State Sponsors of Terrorism list after nearly three (International Development submarine cable to east Africa, decades by the US in December. Association) grants for poverty extending from Port Sudan to This decision will help Sudanese reduction and sustainable Cape Town, and has a 50 per cent businesses access Western economic recovery. IDA is the stake in SAS1 and SAS2, which are markets and connect the country’s World Bank’s programme for the massive projects for transmission banks with the global financial poorest countries. It will also get linkage between Port Sudan and system. external debt relief under the Jeddah. Recently Sudatel Group Heavily Indebted Poor Country secured a 4G license in Senegal (HIPC) Initiative. which should boost its business Clear all debts significantly. The favourable macroeconomic Sudan’s transition government trends portend good times for Despite the pandemic, company also removed large fuel subsidies Sudatel, and it seems the worst is revenues rose to $277 million and implemented a unified over. The company runs a telecom in 2020 from $256 million. Net market-clearing exchange as a business in five African countries operating profit increased by part of broader market reforms. - Sudan, Mauritania, Senegal, almost 40 per cent to $43.76 Thanks to a $1.15 billion bridge Guinea Conakry and Ghana, million, while net profit jumped 93 loan from the US government, offering mobile, fixed, internet and per cent to $15.40 million. Sudatel Sudan has cleared its debts with broadband services. seems to be on the right track the World Bank after nearly three and is suited for the investor who decades, making it eligible for an understands risks. international debt-relief package. Well covered Chinguitel is its brand in The settlement of debt paves Mauritiana, and Expresso Senegal the way for the country to is its Senegal Group company. access almost $2 billion in IDA Sudatel owns 13 per cent of the

SUDAN BUSINESS MAGAZINE 5 Sudanese authorities approved laws to permit non-Islamic banking as the African country seeks to Sudan reintegrate with the global economy.

The changes will allow for a dual system of both Permits Islamic and non-Islamic banking, the Sovereign Transitional Council, part of the administration ruling Sudan since dictator Omar al-Bashir was ousted in Non-Islamic 2019, said in a statement. Sudan is currently battling an economic crisis that Banking as drove inflation to over 340% last month. While Sudan’s banking system was Islamicized in the 1990s, the country briefly saw a parallel non- Islamic system in operation in the mainly Christian It Rebuilds and animist south as part of a 2005 peace deal. That ended with the secession of South Sudan in 2011. Global Ties The announcement came a day after Sudan’s justice minister said the country had abolished a law mandating a boycott of Israel that dated from 1958, the latest step in building economic and diplomatic relations with the Middle Eastern state. The cabinet recently approved its repeal.

Source: Bloomberg.com

6 SUDAN BUSINESS MAGAZINE Sudan to Receive $400 Million from Saudi Arabia, UAE for Agriculture, State Media Says

udan will receive $400 million to a $1.5 billion grant it had first announced from Saudi Arabia and the in April 2019. United Arab Emirates to fund agricultural production inputs Saudi Arabia and the UAE had jointly for this year’s summer and promised $3 billion in aid to Sudan, and winter seasons, the state- Sudanese officials previously indicated that news agency SUNA said. $750 million of that aid had been delivered, including a $500 million deposit in the SSaudi Arabia has committed to contributing central bank. $3 billion in a joint fund for investments in Sudan, and to encouraging other parties to Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok “affirmed participate, Sudanese minister of Cabinet Sudan’s keenness to activate all what was affairs Khalid Omer Yousif told Reuters agreed upon with the Kingdom of Saudi Sin March. Arabia,” the Cabinet said in a statement after his meeting with the Saudi ambassador Earlier in March, Sudan also said it had in Khartoum. secured a recommitment from Saudi Arabia

SUDAN BUSINESS MAGAZINE 7 Sudan has the Cheapest Mobile Data in Africa, Kenya and S/Africa Have the Most Expensive

Source: technext.ng Sudan has the Cheapest Mobile Data in Africa, Kenya and S/Africa Have the Most Expensive

udan, with a total population of about 45 million, offers the cheapest data plans in Africa. The Worldwide Mobile Data Pricing 2021 by Cable.co.uk ranks Sudan above 53 other African countries Slisted in the report on data costs worldwide. The study features over 230 countries across 12 regions, estimating the average cost of one gigabyte (1GB) compared from over 6,000 mobile data plans.

8 SUDAN BUSINESS MAGAZINE Africa’s Cheapest Data

Sudan leads Africa in terms of mobile data Kenya’s $193.54 and affordability with 1gb of data costing an average of $0.27. Due to a dearth of fixed broadband South Africa’s $205.9 infrastructure, Sudan relies heavily on mobile data are two of the highest as the primary means of internet connectivity. minimum wages in Africa, Nigerians consume over 80 million gigabytes of data per month proving that residents have relatively greater purchasing power For context, of Sudan’s compared to several 13.12 million internet other countries on the subscriptions, only continent. 31,218 were fixed broadband subscriptions South Africa has achieved 3G and 4G penetration levels of 99.7% and 92.8% respectively, while Kenya’s in 2019, according to Safaricom 3G and 4G networks cover 94% and the World Bank. Data is 77% of the population. therefore priced cheaper Suffice it to say that Kenya and South Africa are currently the only two African countries to have Sudan has to increase internet launched live 5G networks. penetration and access. North Africa ($1.53) has the cheapest data plans in the world, but Sub-Saharan Africa ($6.44) remains the Cheapest the region with the most expensive data worldwide. Ranked 5th, Sudan is the only African country among the top 10 with the cheapest mobile data, trailing In summary Italy, Fiji, Kyrgyzstan and Israel. All other African Mobile Data in Africa, countries including Nigeria and Ghana fall outside 6 of 7 North African countries including Egypt the top 10. feature in the top 100, and 4 are listed in the top 50.

With the average price of 1GB data at $0.88, Nigeria On the other hand, 6 out of the 10 countries with the ranks 43rd on the list, behind Sudan (5), Algeria (16), most expensive data come from Sub-Saharan Africa, Somalia (22), Ghana (27), Libya (30), Tanzania (32) with Equatorial Guinea the most expensive in the and Mauritius (33). world ($49.67), followed by Saint Helena ($39.87), São Tomé and Príncipe ($30.97), Malawi ($25.46) Data Costs are Much Higher in and Chad ($23.33) Kenya and South Africa In North Africa, Algeria offers the cheapest data at $0.51 but Mauritania’s $5.56 average makes it the Kenya and South Africa occupy the 118th and 136th only country in the region to exceed the positions with average data costs of $2.25 and global average of $4.07. $2.67 respectively. These countries fall in the rather expensive category due to the abundance of mobile broadband infrastructure which the majority of internet users can afford to pay for.

SUDAN BUSINESS MAGAZINE 9 UMM DUKHN FREE ZONE Saudi Arabia’s Alba IN DARFUR, A ROUTE TO Nova signs agreement PORT SUDAN FOR WEST between to promote AFRICAN ECONOMIES livestock and meat exports Source: SUNA

Source: SUNA r. Adeeb Abdel-Rahman Youssef, Governor of Central Darfur State, and Dr. Al-Hadi Muhammad Ibrahim, Minister of Investment, Ddiscussed in a joint meeting held at the Ministry of he Ministry of Animal Resources signed a joint Investment buildings the roadmap for investment framework agreement with the Saudi Alba Nova in Central Darfur and the possibility of activating Company in the field of upgrading and developing partnerships between the public and private sectors Tlivestock and meat exports in Sudan. This came when Mr. in the state and the establishment of the Umm Hafez Ibrahim Abdel Nabi, Minister of Livestock, met in his Dukhn Free Zone. Adeeb said that the meeting came office with Sheikh Ahmed Abdullah Al-Mutawa, Chairman with the aim of integrating the state of Central of the Board of Directors of Alba Nova Saudi Arabia. Darfur into the national economy, developing the Prior to signing the agreement, the minister stressed the investment process and external openness, and importance of cooperation with the company in order to taking advantage of the state’s strategic location. build an effective partnership for processing the export in accordance with the state’s plans aimed at attracting He pointed out that the establishment of the foreign investment and developing the infrastructure of Umm Dukhn Free Zone is an important step that Sudanese quarries and slaughterhouses. will revive the economy in the region and support the social peace process, international trade and Sheikh Ahmed Al-Mutawa affirmed Sudan’s great border trade. The border area of Umm Dukhn, wealth potential in the Arab region, and the company which brings together three countries, mainly looked forward to opening Arab markets for the export Sudan, Chad and Central Africa, is characterized of livestock and meat, pointing to the importance of as a central region and that the two countries of establishing modern slaughterhouses in Sudan. Chad and Central Africa do not have access to sea ports, which enables them to benefit from the port For his part, Mr. Hafez Ibrahim expressed his readiness of Port Sudan. Adeeb pointed out that the Ministry to provide all facilities for the establishment of of Investment had approved the establishment of slaughterhouses and to overcome obstacles to allow both the Umm Dukhn Free Zone, and that a ministerial the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates decision would soon be issued in this regard to invest in the livestock sector by focusing on the export announcing the establishment of the free zone, of meat to take advantage of the added value in order to stating that the zone is an entrance to West African contribute to increasing the revenues of livestock exports countries, and it is an important commercial area in in the country. the Sudanese border trade map. 10 SUDAN BUSINESS MAGAZINE Sudanese-Spanish cooperation on water use and flood risk

udan and Spain In the meeting, a number of In turn, the Spanish ambassador agreed to cooperate papers were presented by experts mentioned that the important closely in how to and specialists from the two question that needs to be manage flood risks countries on the themes of water answered is how to manage water and early warning, reuse, floods, early warning and in the context of decentralization, and to exchange integrated water management. as is the case in Sudan and Spain. experiences on ways The Spanish diplomat stressed to manage water and reuse water The Spanish side also reviewed the the importance of cooperation Sin the field of irrigation. experience of wastewater recycling and exchange of experiences for and its use in the irrigation sector. the optimal use of water for the This came in the ambassadorial The Undersecretary of the benefit of the residents of the two meeting organized by the Ministry of Irrigation said in press countries. Spanish embassy in Khartoum statements that the meeting at the residence of the Spanish comes within the framework The meeting listened to a paper ambassador in cooperation of cooperation and exchange of on water management in Sudan with the Spanish ministries of experiences, experiences and presented by Engineer Ibrahim environment and population and information with Spain in the Belaila from the Supreme Council the Ministry of Irrigation and Water field of water use, and confirmed for the Environment, in addition to Resources in Sudan, where the the ministry’s readiness this year a paper on floods and early warning Sudanese side was headed by the for floods, by establishing early system in Sudan presented by Undersecretary of the Ministry, warning centers in a number of Engineer Radwan Abdel Rahman Engineer Daw Al-Bayt Mansour, regions in addition to relying on the from the Ministry of Irrigation and while the Spanish side was headed meteorological authority to prepare Water Resources, along with a by its ambassador in Sudan, daily bulletins Rain and weather number of similar papers from the Alberto Ucelay. conditions. Spanish side.

SUDAN BUSINESS MAGAZINE 11 LEGAL OPINION AVOIDING CORPORATE FAILURES IN SUDAN Dr. AbdelGadir Warsama Ghalib CORPORATE LEGAL COUNSEL Email: [email protected]

nderstanding the or lack of interest among siblings and there is no body or authority to reasons for corporate and or other external reasons. With question them due to the absence failures and the ways reference to some partnerships, or misapplication of the corporate and means of stopping the failure of the corporation governance rules. Lack of clear or rectifying such could happen to emergence of accountability, transparency and Ufailures, is always of paramount differences between the partners disclosure leads to failure of major importance everywhere including regarding the business or future companies. The management Sudan. Some of the reasons that activities of the partnership. Lack of companies and corporations could cause corporate failures of industry or loss of good market requires leadership with vision may include issues relating to or business. The partners or one and mission. This vision and the equity ownership of the of them, also, may face some mission should be maintained in corporation, directorship and financial or logistical problems all cases, being family companies management of the corporation, that could affect their role or or equity shareholding companies. structure issues and non- involvement in the company. The proper management of compliance or misapplication of Equity shareholding companies are corporations includes good corporate governance principles… not free from such instances and planning for present and future etc. Ultimately, pin-pointing they may face certain difficulties operations in a satisfactory the reasons could help in going regarding the ownership and or way and method that leads the through and mitigating the management of the company. This business of the corporation to loss. The equity ownership of is obvious from the fact that we add real and material value for its companies as a matter of fact seldom notice the involvement of shareholders & stakeholders. and law takes different ways and most shareholders in the activities forms, such as, family ownership or affairs of the company. Many The law, particularly the company or partnership ownership or equity shareholders are completely law almost in all places, includes shareholding ownership. Each of ignorant about what is happening certain specific provisions that the mentioned categories has got, in their company and this attitude, should be followed all through if we could say, its pros and cons. in certain cases, was the main the life span of the corporation. reason that caused the failure of These provisions, we believe, Regarding family ownership, the company. will safeguard the interests of we have to mention that, many the companies and could help companies diminish or disappear In some instances, with reference in escaping the risks that cause from the scene after the first or the to this type of companies, the corporate failures. The company second generation that established board of directors or the senior laws include some provisions or started the business. Failures management of the company could regarding the absolute right of the could occur in family business be the direct cause for the failure shareholders to closely follow the due to lack of capital, business of the company. This happens affairs of the company during the information shortage, succession when they are not exercising or annual meetings or at any other problems, lack of vision, conflict performing their duties properly time as they see appropriate. The

12 SUDAN BUSINESS MAGAZINE required mandatory disclosure the shareholders. We believe that, and means to help in the proper by the management of the the legislator gave such legal implementation of corporate company to the shareholders and authority to the external auditors governance in companies. Such the competent authorities is a and or the competent authorities measures could help to a great continuous legal requirement that and Ministries so as to enable extent in avoiding many corporate should always be implemented. them to take corrective actions to failures. However, we believe Disclosure, no doubt, enables the escape, avoid or mitigate corporate that, the owners, partners and shareholders or the required party failures. However, tough measures shareholders in companies to take the appropriate steps in are needed to streamline the should take more positive actions the appropriate time. There are process of corporate business in to improve the affairs of their many other legal duties, such as, Sudan. In certain cases, we have companies and this could lead to the duties of the external auditors noticed that governments are positive progress and keep their and their mandatory role in ready to take drastic measures and companies far away from failures. safeguarding the genuine interests steps to avoid failures of certain of the company, the shareholders corporations that represent the Please, make sure to take care of and the community in general. national image of the country. the affairs of your company, to The external auditors are required In this respect, of course, maintain its existence and survival by law to inform the competent Governments take such measures away from failures or bankruptcy authorities in certain cases where based on legal authorization and or other catastrophe instances … there are clear unattended serious this authorization can be used in all Be vigilant, prime leader, inspirer violations by the management. cases because the law applies with and be responsible. Take the lead, respect to all corporations being for the sake of your company and The law gives the competent small or big corporations, as long for the sake of Sudan. Avoiding government authorities and as they could damage the business corporate failures in Sudan, Ministries, the right to intervene activities. starts from you and your positive at any time and take the required leadership attitude. Let’s start. appropriate actions to safeguard Generally speaking, we could say the interests of the company or that the law includes many ways America is back This image represents the humanitarian and caring side of the United States, diplomats freely roaming the streets of Khartoum like they used to decades ago, showing their gratitude to the Sudanese people in the holy month of Ramadan. Photo: Courtesy to the U.S Embassy page on Facebook

SUDAN BUSINESS MAGAZINE 13 INTERVIEW Mohamed Badreldin Mahgoub General Manager at oreeed

Mohamed Badreldin Mahgoub is the general manager at Oreeed, the hottest upcoming online retailer in Sudan, striving to provide the highest quality shopping experience and maintaining values of transparency in this sector. Mohamed has a batchelors in accounting administration as well as a masters in financial management, with over six years of experience in financial and accounting services within multiple businesses across different platforms within technology, transportation, cleaning and catering. Mohamed is passionate about providing services in innovative and accessible ways to meet the needs of both end users and suppliers.

How did the oreeed idea begin?

It started off as a simple idea being discussed amongst friends, “why is it difficult to find reasonable prices for reliable, high quality, genuine goods in Sudan?” This got us thinking further into the detail, “why should people have to deal with not finding their desired piece of clothing, how many stores do they have to visit hunting for the matching piece of accessory, and at what price?” After many brainstorming sessions, we decided to start a company that would solve this problem of sourcing, and moreover provide sellers a reliable platform to sell their products.

That is how we decided to bring the idea to life – to flesh it out; the sector is really interesting and aligned with what I knew I could see myself doing for some time. We took months to research, learn, plan and revisit all assumptions before going ahead and executing something concrete.

14 SUDAN BUSINESS MAGAZINE INTERVIEW

As an entrepreneur, with a mind E-commerce is still a novel market customers. Ultimately, we strive blowing drive to succeed, why did in Sudan, how is oreeed going to to be your go-to market place, for you not launch a business abroad achieve a high quality service? all your needs be it for you, your and launched oreeed in Sudan? family, your children or your home. It is actually very simple. High I am Sudanese, I genuinely believe quality products delivered with Are there plans to launch an app in the potential Sudan has to offer. great customer service. We believe for oreeed? Its not often you see a country our customer experience is key going through such a fast past to repeat customers. This makes We have exciting news for our change and with a market still in its the customer experience a core customers, oreeeds application infancy, there is ample opportunity part of our company and what will be available for Android and to build a bright future right here at will ultimately set us apart in the IOS users very soon. This will home. industry. We also recognise we are make shopping experience more going to be pioneers in this field so enjoyable and super convenient. At The concept of launching a new we aim to set the bar high. the end the day shopping should business in Sudan can seem In a world where authenticity is the be a pleasurable experience rather daunting. Yet, with the right most important branding tool, with than an inconvenient task. ingredients it can not only be done, people craving for raw truth rather it can be a success. than filtered and misleading words. Is the Sudanese infrastructure We as a start up company want to supportive to a next day delivery Money is not everything, the make who we are known for the service? How will you overcome real challenge lies in finding the go get. We give you the truth and fuel supply issues and potentially right team and at oreeed we are nothing else. a fluctuating US dollar exchange proud to say that we are working rate? on breaking down the barriers Which categories will oreeed by encouraging a high ratio of offer, the list of products and Being pioneers in any industry women in our workplace; aiming to services can be infinite? is difficult and comes with its empower women. We have a well own challenges. We have an diverse, youthful, intelligent group We started off small and plan to extraordinary team behind oreeed of people who are very passionate grow quickly. Currently we offer a with a wealth of experience to and committed to taking oreeed to wide range of products for women help us navigate the difficulty the next level and reaching its full and children with the plan to roll that comes with doing business potential. I believe in giving back to our a men’s and other categories in Sudan in its current state. That my country and the real question is thereafter. We will spend this initial said, we truly believe things will why not to start in the place I call period gathering as much market start getting better and we are my home. feedback as possible to endure we excited to be able to enhance our are meeting the demands of our services where possible.

SUDAN BUSINESS MAGAZINE 15 INTERVIEW

“I am Sudanese, I genuinely believe in the potential Sudan has to offer. It is not often you see a country going through such a fast past change and with a market still in its infancy, there is ample opportunity to build a bright future right here at home.”

Mohamed Badreldin Mahgoub – General Manager at oreeed

Even though the US sanctions Vendors registering on oreeed We aim to provide all those lone have been lifted, social media need to be educated on how to vendors with no proper setup a advertising is still blocked, use the platform, how will you place they can call home, they can how will you able to reach your be able to support thousands of rely on, and sell their products at targeted audience? potential vendors to setup? ease.

Sudan is truly a unique market. We will provide training for our Where do you see oreeed in the Unlike more mature economies, vendors. Each vendor has an next 5 years? Sudan has had to learn to adapt individualized backend – they without the existence of true social will receive training on how to The limits are endless. Having media marketing and consumer upload their merchandize on our said that, taking a thoughtful and data gathering. As such we are website; nonetheless, the system considered approach to scaling up still heavily reliant on word of is quite easy to navigate. Adding to is essential – and the sooner the mouth and our own social media that, they will be able to view the better. Starting with expanding campaigns we run on social media analysis of their sales. our services with Wad Madani platforms. The response has and Port Sudan states as an initial already been fantastic and we We have an efficient online phase and hopefully having a wide plan to expand this further into platform where our vendors can outreach in the remaining parts of radio channels and social media oversee all details of their dealings Sudan in the near future. influencers. with the utmost transparency. Like our customers, our vendors are important to us.

16 SUDAN BUSINESS MAGAZINE Egypt & Sudan Airways sign MoU to boost ties

Egypt’s national carrier EgyptAir has launched a strategic partnership with Sudan Airways to strengthen aviation ties between the two countries.

Egyptian Civil Aviation Minister Mohamed Manar and Khaled Al-Sheikh, deputy Sudanese ambassador to Egypt, attended the memorandum of understanding (MoU) signing ceremony.

Amr Abu El-Enein, EgyptAir chairman and CEO, and Sudan Source: Arabnews Airways Director General Yasir Timo signed the MoU. Manar said the MoU includes The MoU also seeks to increase air training of employees with the traffic between the two countries, The Egyptian minister highlighted Sudanese flag carrier, and helping leading to increased economic the importance of the strategic the country modernize its aircraft opportunities for both. partnership between the airlines fleet by managing network and their role in enhancing trade planning, developing maintenance A joint working group will have exchange between the two operations, and providing advisory regular meetings to follow up on countries. He said the MoU is part services in quality control and projects and contracts. of Cairo’s strategy to strengthen technical approvals. Under the bilateral ties in a range of fields, agreement, Egyptian experts will Timo also expressed his happiness including aviation. The partnership train Sudanese officials in aviation at signing the MoU with EgyptAir, aims to transfer Egyptian expertise security, ground services and other due to its expertise, human cadres, in the aviation sector to Sudan. technical aspects. and technical capabilities.

SUDAN BUSINESS MAGAZINE 17 Sudanese government to incorporate Blockchain in Digital transformation strategy

Source: unlock-bc.com

udan’s Governmental officials believe that The visit centred around Sudan’s first-ever Blockchain Blockchain will be impactful for the country. Summit & Workshop, a two-day event held April These statements were made during the 8-9 and led by the BSV blockchain ecosystem. The Blockchain for Government initiative visit to conference and surrounding meetings explored Sudan led by Bitcoin Association, the Swiss- how blockchain technology can advance digital Sbased non profit organization. The visit was at the transformation as the country rebuilds and re- invitation and under the patronage of the Ministry of emerges after 30 years of isolation from much of the telecom and Digital transformation in Sudan. world.

BSV’s Blockchain for Government Initiative is led by Bitcoin Association, the Switzerland-based non-profit organisation that works to advance use of the Bitcoin SV (BSV) blockchain, protocol and distributed data network. The Initiative works with government bodies, NGOs and public sector agencies to advance large-scale implementation of blockchain technology for the benefit of citizens, including through delivery of e-government services, tools for greater financial inclusion and improved transparency, as well as applications that foster public good for municipalities and entire Photo Source: Muhammad Salman Anjum countries.

18 SUDAN BUSINESS MAGAZINE The BSV blockchain ecosystem brought an international delegation to Sudan, led by Bitcoin Association Founding President Jimmy Nguyen (USA) together with Ahmed Yousif, co-founder of Black Stone Data Solutions (Yousif was born in Sudan and now lives in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia). They were joined by CEOs and founders of blockchain businesses working across a range of industries, spanning healthcare, supply chain management, financial services and smart cities, along with other senior representatives, including Muhammad Salman Anjum - Chief Mate at InvoiceMate and Photo Source: Jimmy Nguyen Head of the BSV Hub for the Middle East & South Asia (UAE/ professional certifications; and conclusion of the 2-day Pakistan); Mohammed Ibrahim better transparency. blockchain event, Hashim Jega – co-founder of Domineum Hasabelrasoul Hashim, Minister Blockchain Solutions (Nigeria); A prestigious line up of speakers of Telecommunication and Digital Stephan Nilsson - CEO of UNISOT included the visiting BSV Transformation for the Republic of and Abendum (Norway); Robert delegation, senior figures from the Sudan, said, “The event was Rice - CEO of Transmira (USA); both the Sudanese government very great, very informative. The Phillip Runyan - managing partner and multi-national NGOs with first-ever time in Sudan to have of Veridat (USA) and Patrick Prinz a permanent regional presence a blockchain ecosystem team to – Europe & Operations Manager of - including the United Nations visit the country. People were very Bitcoin Association (Switzerland). Development Programme. They interactive, very excited about were joined remotely by experts the event and I think that there BSV’s Blockchain for Government from many international BSV and will be many more to come after Initiative organised the Republic related businesses from around this event. Having the blockchain of the Sudan’s historic first- the world – including Centbee; ecosystem in Sudan itself is a ever blockchain conference and EHR Data; Elas Digital; Faiā; huge success for us. Having the workshop, held at the Al Salam nChain; Predict Ecology; Smart engagement with the experts Hotel in Khartoum on April 8-9 Systems; VXPass; Weather SV; and with our team members - with under the patronage of the Metastreme. the ministry, with the industry - Ministry of Telecommunication & private and government entities Digital Transformation. The event In addition to the two-day to promote working together in welcomed government officials, Blockchain Summit & Workshop, different groups to work out what business leaders and university the BSV delegation was invited to is next.” students to learn how blockchain separate meetings in the offices technology can build better digital of the Central Bank of Sudan; the Minister Hashim also explained infrastructure and grow the Ministry of Telecommunication why blockchain technology can domestic economy through diverse & Digital Transformation; the be so impactful for Sudan at use cases - including identity Ministry of Interior Affairs; as this time, “In Sudan, we are in a management; e-government well as at SudaTel Telecom transition period after thirty years services; public records; financial Group (one of Sudan’s leading of sanctions and thirty years of inclusion; Islamic finance; auditing; telecommunication companies) a bad regime. Now we are in a natural resource management and the 249 Startups hub for transition period in which we and sustainability; smart cities; entrepreneurs. want to reform our country and supply chain and cargo tracking; reform the government. Digital health care data; educational/ During an interview at the transformation is a key pillar in

SUDAN BUSINESS MAGAZINE 19 this reformation. We are working blockchain. We want to be the first our sincere thanks to Minister on building a national strategy for and lead on this technology in the Hashim and the entire team at the digital transformation that aims country because it will enable us to Republic of the Sudan’s Ministry to change the government from really depend on real data that is of Telecommunication and Digital manual to digital, to make sure secure.” Transformation for their warm that the government will be more hospitality and ambitious vision for efficient, more smart, more in BSV delegation leader President the digital future of their country. control and more transparent.” Jimmy Nguyen commented, “ As we explore opportunities Blockchain can help us to build for initial blockchain projects “I can clearly see a role for a better world and our trip to in Sudan, we know that BSV’s blockchain throughout different Sudan left us feeling even more massive scaling and focus on data verticals within the government; inspired to make that vision a network capabilities can provide digital identification is one of reality. On behalf of the global BSV the blockchain power needed to many, financial inclusion, digital ecosystem, we were honoured advance digital transformation for certifications and many more to to lead this first-ever blockchain Sudan and greater Africa.” come, where we can benefit from delegation to Sudan and extend Subscribe Sudan business magazine is Sudan’s premier business monthly for business development executives, entrepreneurs, decision-makers, and corporate leaders.

Monthly Business Magazine Sudan Febuary 2021 Business

Elbarbary Medical Q&A WITH RANDA ELBARBARY ABOUT HEALTHCARE IN SUDAN

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20 SUDAN BUSINESS MAGAZINE Elmerikh football club on a spending spree hires former Newcastle midfielder as coach & plans for football academy Source:Dailymail.co.uk

Lee Clark had never been to Africa when he accepted the challenge of becoming head coach at Sudan’s Manchester United, El-Merikh - they share the Red Devils nickname.

‘I’ve always said I wanted to experience working abroad I didn’t put any stipulations on where that was,’ the former Newcastle, for continental clashes - outside of another thing taking some getting Sunderland and Fulham midfielder current Covid restrictions - plus the used to has been temperatures continues, having left his role as intense city rivalry with Al-Hilal, touching 40 degrees daily. ‘It’s the director of football at ambitious who El-Merikh trail by three points first time in my coaching career I’ve non-League side Newcastle Blue with a game in hand: ‘There is worn a cap,’ he says. Star to take up the challenge. unbelievable support for these two clubs. We are literally neighbours. The heat means training sessions ‘Whenever people have contacted They’re just across the road it’s a are regularly held at 6am or in late me about certain positions the similar situation to that of Dundee afternoon, sometimes both on the answer has always been yes when and Dundee United.’ same day but the 48-year-old is it came to working in another immersing himself in a country country. My attitude has always There will be no post-match glass wanting to making a mark on the been that I’d be prepared to listen of wine after the two go head to continent’s footballing map. to anything. head in this season’s yet-to-be- contested derbies as alcohol has There is a long-term plan to start ‘So when an agent I knew while only recently been made legal an academy at El-Merikh and I was in charge of Birmingham again for non-Muslims and Clark forge links with English clubs; a City contacted me, I saw it as an is respectful of the culture of a shorter-term one to bring in his experience to put in the tool bag. country ‘where people can’t do own assistant manager. For now, No coaching course can emulate enough for you.’ he is grateful to strength and this kind of thing.’ conditioning coach Islam Gamal Although he has a car, he has for interpreting messages and During his Zoom interviews, Clark plumped for a driver as ‘it’s like instructions between him and his was sold on the 40,000 full houses the wacky races on the roads’ and players.

SUDAN BUSINESS MAGAZINE 21 Technical Analysis Spatial assessment of Solar Energy Survey and GIS engineer Tel: +249999224476 potential in Email: [email protected] Khartoum

nergy is an important and natural disasters resulting energy is that they do not affect universal factor for the in environmental pollution. The the ecological balance in any measure of Sudan’s industrialization process and way. Electricity generated using development because increased energy demands have solar energy is a popular type of the advancement in extended and accelerated these of renewable energy source for Escience and technology. As well negative effects. Because of these energy applications. It attracts as the fast growth of human impacts, many people, animals and investors due to the abundance, population, the need for energy is plants have been harmed and are low-operating costs and a lack of consistently increasing day by day faced with new challenges each environmental pollution. worldwide. day. Because of these problems, alternative energy sources are In the Sudan, potential for Specially in Sudan where we rely being under consideration both harnessing solar energy is on traditional energy sources such worldwide and in our country. extremely large. Geographically as dams and fossil fuels, which it is uniquely placed to top solar are exhaustion of sources that Renewable energy sources which radiation with approximately 300 proved to be insufficient with are reliable and will not pollute clear sunny days and average the increasing consumption of the environment or damage living solar incidence of 6.0-6.6 kWh/ energy and the constant rise of organisms must play a big role. m2/day. The total deserted area population. In this context, it is clear that one in the state is arid and semi-arid, of the most important sources of large amount of it is contiguous, For a long time, the world renewable energy is solar energy. relatively flat and undeveloped. depended on fossil fuel energy Apart from providing energy, solar sources for energy production. Today, the use of solar energy has technology could play a key role in They are known to have many gained popularity and become helping Sudan achieve its national negative consequences such widespread throughout the goals in contributing to sustainable as global warming, seasonal world, including in Sudan. The development. deviations, glacier meltdown greatest advantage of renewable

22 SUDAN BUSINESS MAGAZINE Khartoum Study Area

Khartoum State is one of the eighteen states of Sudan. Although it is the smallest state by area (22,142 km2), it is the most populous (5,274,321 in 2008 census). It contains the country’s second largest city by population, Omdurman, and the city of Khartoum, which is the capital of the state as well as the national capital of Sudan. The State is located between longitudes 31.5 to 34°E and latitudes 15 to 16°N. Figure 1: Study Area (Khartoum State).

power systems development in the world in certain Solar Data key phases such as exploration, prospection, site selection and pre-feasibility evaluation. In order to analyze global solar resources geographically, three classic and representative GHI ((kWh/m2) is the sum of beam radiation, direct parameters were used. These parameters are global and diffuse irradiance, and ground-reflected radiation. horizontal irradiation (GHI), direct normal irradiation Solar Global Horizontal Irradiation (GHI) Resource is (DNI) and photovoltaic (PV). The spatial data (raster) used to calculate flat panel photovoltaic (PV) photo for the three parameters were obtained from the array output. while DNI (kWh/m2), which is the solar Global Solar Atlas, which is considered to be the most radiation that reaches the Earth’s surface directly, reliable source of solar data currently available at is important for the development of CSP and CPV global scale ( http://globalsolaratlas.info/ ). The GHI, systems. These data accompanied with cloud cover DNI and PV values from this online database, financed data mainly Downloaded from https://data.earthenv. by the World Bank Group through the Energy Sector org/ to test the effect of clouds on irradiance came Management Assistance Program (ESMAP), were from the sun. made freely available in 2017 in order to support solar

Elevation Data: a 30-metre resolution shuttle radar topography mission (SRTM) digital elevation models (DEM), which were retrieved from the United States Geological Survey (USGS) archived data portal. Elevation is the main input for the ArcGIS Solar Radiation analyst. Elevation data is the source of topographical characteristics of the study site including terrain shading, and slope. These characteristics are important both for determining the high potential areas and for positioning of solar Figure 2: Topography Map of Khartoum State. energy generation equipment.

SUDAN BUSINESS MAGAZINE 23 Data processing was preformed using collected data. The analysis of solar resource distribution and intensity, assessed using the GHI, DNI, PV, cloud cover layer and slope was conducted in two major phases: 1. Multi-Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM) methods. 2. delimitation and mapping in seven classes of solar potential

than attempting to prioritize the entire list of decisions 1-Multi-Criteria Decision- and criteria simultaneously. Making (MCDM) methods: In AHP All criteria/factors which are considered Multi-Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM) methods are relevant for a decision are compared against each tools that allows the best choice to be made from other in a pair-wise comparison matrix which is a among multiple and concurrent criteria. The Analytic measure to express the relative preference among Hierarchy Process (AHP), one of the MCDM methods, the factors. After creating all weight matrices, the was originally developed by Prof. Thomas L. Saaty in weighted layer is normalized and calculated. The value 1977. The AHP method has been used frequently in is obtained according to the level of importance of the the solution of complex decision-making problems. used criteria, From the resulting normalized values, The AHP is a flexible, quantitative method for selecting the consistency ratio (CR) values are computed, and among alternatives. The AHP approach is based on these values are used in the application to determine the relative performance of alternative projects or whether it is valid or not. CR = CC / RI investments with respect to one or more criteria of interest. The hierarchy of AHP is constructed through Referring to formula: CR represents the consistency pairwise comparisons of individual judgments, rather ratio; CC represents consistency index and RI represents random consistency index.

Elevation Cloud Cover GHI DNI PV output

Slope

Reclassify Reclassify Reclassify Reclassify Reclassify

AHP Analysis

Delimitation and mapping in Classes

Solar Energy Potential Map

Figure 3: Work-flow chart for mapping solar energy potential.

24 SUDAN BUSINESS MAGAZINE To show the potential for solar energy, each factor State. Weights of these classes were ranging from was evaluated. Appropriate ranges for each parameter value of 1 express “equal importance” and a value were determined from reviewed literature and some of 9 is given for those factors having an “extreme studies to map Solar energy potential in Khartoum importance” over another factor.

Figure 4: factors used in assessment of solar energy in Khartoum state (GHI, PV Output, Cloud Cover, DNI and Slope).

SUDAN BUSINESS MAGAZINE 25 Figure 5: reclassified rasters of factors used in assessment of solar energy in Khartoum state (reclassified GHI, reclassified PV Output, reclassified Cloud Cover, reclassified DNI and reclassified Slope).

Figure 6: factor wights and CR Value using AHP Method.

26 SUDAN BUSINESS MAGAZINE Results

Figure 7: AHP Resulting Map showing seven classes of Solar energy potential in Khartoum State.

are systematically assigned to adjacent classes by 2-delimitation and mapping in adjusting class boundaries. The process is repeated seven classes of solar potential: until the variance within a given class is as small as possible, while the variance between classes is as the statistical extraction of the areas covered by large as possible. the delimited classes, and then grouped into seven potential classes, using the natural breaks criterion. We chose to group the data into seven potential The natural breaks (or Jenks) method is an iterative classes (Poor, Fair, Marginal, Good, Very Good, statistical classification of data aiming to minimize Excellent, Optimum), higher number of classes is more the variance within classes. The method classifies useful for an accurate assessment of solar resources. by grouping similar values while maximizing the differences between classes. random class breaks are generated, after which the boundary zone values

The areas were colored by orange red, dark orange Is Khartoum ready for solar energy? and orange colors is the most suitable areas for solar energy exploitation in classes (Optimum, excellent and The resulting map obtained using the AHP method Very Good) and followed by yellow (good) to green was created using the criteria Elevation, slope, areas (fair, marginal and poor). cloud cover data, GHI, DNI and PV output. In this study, relevant spatial analysis was performed and As it is illustrated on the AHP Result Map the areas of appropriate areas were determined. Using the AHP high Solar Energy potential colored by Red are located method, all factors are effective in determining the in the North-East area of Khartoum State. most suitable areas for exploitation of solar energy in Khartoum State. Using factor weights values, GIS technology and spatial analysis to determine the most suitable locations.

SUDAN BUSINESS MAGAZINE 27 US investment forum sponsored by Trade and Development Bank, The Boeing Company, Lindsay and Visa Inc.

orporate Council on Africa The Forum included sessions The event kicked off with opening (CCA) hosted the U.S.-Sudan on Doing Business in Sudan remarks by CCA President and CEO, CBusiness and Investment and Opportunities in Sudan’s Florizelle Liser who expressed her Forum, the first Forum in a Agribusiness Sector. The excitement about partnering with webinar series on business and Forum began with a moderated the U.S.-Sudan Business Council investment opportunities across conversation between H.E. to co-host the high-level Forum key sectors in Sudan such as Dr. Abdalla Hamdok, Prime after years of engagement with banking, agribusiness, energy, ICT, Minister, Republic of Sudan, and the Republic of Sudan. Optimistic infrastructure, and healthcare. Ambassador Demetrios Marantis. about the future of U.S.-Sudan The series strives to facilitate The fireside chat was followed relations, Ms. Liser noted that commercial partnership growth by a series of panels on the Sudan’s removal from the State between the two nations and overall business environment, Sponsors of Terrorism List (SSTL) their private sectors as Sudan finance and agribusiness sectors has “eliminated one of the major enters a new era of increased respectively featuring H.E. Dr. hurdles to doing business in the trade, stability, and democracy. Gibril Ibrahim, Minister of Finance country.” The U.S.-Sudan Business and and Economic Planning, and H.E. Investment Forum was generously Dr. Altahir Ismaeil Harbi, Minister Ihab Osman, Chairman and sponsored by Visa Inc., The Boeing of Agriculture and Forests, and a founding member of the U.S. Company; Lindsay; and Trade and select group of senior executives Sudan Business Council (USSBC), Development Bank. from U.S. and African companies. expressed that Forum illustrates the great progress that has been made between the U.S. and Sudan.

28 SUDAN BUSINESS MAGAZINE Bernard Dunn, President at U.S.-Sudan relations. high-level panel featuring H.E. Boeing Middle East, Turkey, Dr. Gibril Ibrahim, Minister of and Africa introduced H.E. Dr. Dana Banks, Senior Director Finance and Economic Planning, Abdalla Hamdok, Prime Minister for Africa, National Security with co-panelists Ahmed Gaber, of the Republic of Sudan. During Council, at the White House, General Manager, North Africa, the fireside chat moderated by spoke on how the Biden-Harris VISA, Admassu Tadesse, President Ambassador Demetrios Marantis, administration stands with and CEO, Trade and Development Senior Vice President & Head, H.E. Dr. Abdalla Hamdok and is Bank and, Dr. Moustafa Abdalla El Global Government Engagement, committed to building on the Hassan, CEO, Bank of Khartoum. VISA, Prime Minister Hamdok U.S.-Sudan partnership. Dana acknowledged the multiple Banks noted “the U.S. applauds H.E. Dr. Gibril Ibrahim discussed transitions Sudan is undergoing economic reforms enacted by the the reforms that Sudan has and the challenges the country Prime Minister” and encourages undertaken and assured that there faces in moving forward as it the Sudanese government to are more reforms ahead that focus inherited a collapsed economy. continue its peacekeeping efforts. on transparency. He also noted She concluded by stating that that the country is becoming more Prime Minister Hamdok the Biden-Harris administration peaceful and is in a better position highlighted reform programs that will continue to foster business to stabilize its economy and move have been introduced to move relations by bringing Sudan towards economic growth. Sudan in the right direction with forward to the global market. support from the people. H.E. The panelists also discussed the Dr. Abdalla Hamdok encouraged Araak Group’s Hassan Abdelhalim banking environment in Sudan the U.S. private sector to of USSBC kicked off the session and the impact of COVID-19. H.E. “look at Sudan as a country of on Doing Business in Sudan - Dr. Gibril Ibrahim concluded the opportunities. “Sudan is working Opportunities & Challenges with Doing Business in Sudan session hard to overcome the challenges an overview presentation providing by stating that Sudan is looking it inherited” he stated. In closing, background on Sudan’s revolution for strategic partnerships and H.E. Dr. Abdalla Hamdok shared and its economic impact. Mai welcomes American investors and that he is hopeful of the success Abdelhalim, President, North looks forward to seeing them in and opportunities that lie ahead for Africa, GEIM, GE moderated the Sudan.

SUDAN BUSINESS MAGAZINE 29 Agribusiness: Sudan – A New Source of Food Stability for Africa

The third session, titled Agribusiness: Sudan – A New Source of Food Stability for Africa, began with an overview of the agriculture sector by Ahmed Abdellatif of USSBC. CTC’s Ahmed Abdellatif touched on the key natural resources and the great opportunities that are present in Sudan’s agriculture sector. The Agribusiness session was moderated by Dr. Mima S. Nedelcovych, Chairman, AfricaGlobal Schaffer who emphasized the importance of agriculture in Sudan, stating “when someone mentions the agriculture industry being the backbone, I can certainly verify.”

H.E. Dr. Altahir Ismaeil Harbi, Minister of Agriculture and Forests, Republic of Sudan, delivered his opening remarks on the success of Sudan’s agriculture industry. The high- level panel also featured Eng. Disougie Elwagie, General Manager, White Nile Sugar Company, Gustavo Oberto, President, Global Agriculture Irrigation, Lindsay, and Dr. Dominik Reus, Managing Director Africa, AGCO.

H.E. Dr. Harbi discussed the comparative advantage on U.S.-Sudan partnership. Ambassador Satti of Sudan’s agriculture industry and highlighted noted the importance of the Forum in facilitating opportunities for U.S. investors. The panelists also information sharing. Mr. Hunt offered his closing highlighted opportunities for collaboration between remarks, highlighting how the U.S. government is Sudanese investors and U.S. investors, the impact of actively supporting Sudan as it continues to grow. climate change, and perspectives from U.S. business He concluded by stating that, “it is time to move leaders on how they view the future of agribusiness in forward and encourage mutually beneficial trade Sudan. with and investment in Sudan.”High profile speakers attended the forum via a webinar, including Prime H.E. Dr. Nureldin Satti, Ambassador of Sudan to Minister Hamdok, Minister of Agrilcture and Forestry, the U.S. and Bryan David Hunt, Acting Deputy Minister of Finance and Economic Planning, and senior Assistant Secretary, East Africa and the Sudans, executives from Visa Inc., General Electric, The Boeing U.S. Department of State delivered final thoughts Company, Lindsay, and Trader & Development Bank.

30 SUDAN BUSINESS MAGAZINE UNAMID premises handed over to University of Zalingei

UNAMID continues to exert efforts to ensure the drawdown plan for team sites closure is on course and closed team sites handed over to the Government of Sudan are utilized to the benefit of the local communities. With the expected closure of UNAMID’s former Mission Headquarters in Zalingei, the Director of Mission Support, Mr. Houston Fergusson accompanied the Wali (Governor) of Central Darfur, Dr. Adeeb Abdulrahman and members of the Central Darfur State Handover Committee on a guided tour of the site. The Camp is already hosting the administration of the University of Zalingei.

SUDAN BUSINESS MAGAZINE Photo: Courtesy to Ambassador Therese Løken Gheziel Twitter page 31 Schlumberger and National Upstream Solutions (NUS) sign a strategic collaboration MOU

32 SUDAN BUSINESS MAGAZINE Schlumberger’s Managing Director Egypt and East morning in addition to attending and giving a speech Mediterranean, Karim Badawi announced a strategic in the collaboration signing event held under the performance of choice partnership launched in a slogan of together building the future, during which special event with the participation of H.E.Eng. Jadain our team presented areas of collaborations in Ali Obeid, Sudan Minister of Energy and Petroleum. addition to a speech from NUS General Manager, Eng Schlumberger and National Upstream Solutions (NUS) Mohamed Nasr; the event was also attended by the signed a strategic collaboration MOU to jointly unlock undersecretaryfor Petroleum, Eng. Walid Esameldin access to energy in Sudan leveraging capacity building, Mohamed, Eng. Ayman Aboul-Goukh, Sudapet technology & performance leadership. Director General and the leaderships of the sector and distinguished guests.” Karim Badawi also added “I am very appreciative to H.E.Eng.Jadain Ali Obeid, Sudan Minister of Energy A new chapter for blue chip oil service companies and Petroleum for the time he has given us in the regains its position in the new Sudan.

SUDAN BUSINESS MAGAZINE 33 Leadership and self-managing Manage yourself by managing your mid-career By Elhadi Gafar Abdalla, opportunities CEO Hadile UK Ltd

anaging your- for best and reframing “mid-career So, why do we get frustrated self in a mid - crisis” with what I now call “mid- with our jobs even they have career crisis in career opportunities”. fancier titles and even when like changing we are achieving? You want to an aeroplane This risky move game me me answer? You wish, let us let engine in experiences and access to very philosophers fire away the answer air across important relationships and for us. They say because short the ocean, yet if managed in an networks, and later traveling projects or task achieved, getting Memotionally aware manner, it is to work as a consultant in UAE a promotion are of a fixed nature, just a transition in our lives. It is in Defence, in Saudi in facilities we feel emptiness by doing what important to reframe mid-life management, State investment philosophers call “telic activities”. career as mid-life opportunities and policy advisor in South Sudan, They are things we can finish to be become growth mindset consulting and working in for a and complete. So, when I was people who believe that our most major contractor for Qatar 22 as a brought as CEOs to firefight and basic abilities can be developed real estate consultant at director’s fix things and given an opportunity through dedication and hard work level and as a group property to developed 350 properties for and positive reframing of adversary and facilities manager for Qatar a housing company, when this as an opportunistic challenge or Airways, and recently giving a was done with two years, I lost period. pre-lending advice on companies’ motivation because there was not viability. What I thought was a nothing do now things were stable. Mid is the most important mid-career crisis at time caused transition you can make in your regret turned out to be the best The are jobs of “atelic activities”, life. Handled well the crisis can decision for very important you don’t feel bored and they have transform into an opportunity. A network and work relations meaning for you in your live. You negative approach it will create including key players and VIPs I can go for a holiday and enjoy it, regret, failure and meaningless have now. but the task is not complete you purpose to your life. will always go for holiday and It is normal when we are faced with enjoy it. If you are in a job where I left a CEO role to become a less job options or if the current colleagues are like friends, and management consultant in early job does not give us purpose and the environment is as if you are 2002, even though I had a feeling satisfaction, we feel regret. Some- hanging out with friends, this is an of making the wrong decision by times I wish I was a medical doctor, “atelic activities” just like going for then, leaving a permanent well paid but I would miss the business a walk in Aspire Park near Hyatt role to a consultant that sounded advice and coaching I am enjoying Plaza. If you are living a decent like “your rate is expensive, we will now including the relations and life, it is an atelic activity, you are call you when we need you for few board membership of the largest in it already, you can’t complete or day” role, the risk was high and housing groups if a chose to study finish the act of living, because you but I always felt good about the medicine instead of business when can-not stop doing these things future by acknowledge the fear and I came to the UK in 1991. that are making you happy and working hard with a positive mind there is purpose in your life.”

34 SUDAN BUSINESS MAGAZINE That is why quite often a do and push for your identity re- career with a purpose provide direction. Even your re-direction Elhadi is a CEO and a specialist happiness. We all go through you still have another turn of consultant in coaching, housing, transitions and our needs career change when you reach relocation, facilities, property change, but our minds trick us 55 or 65, the age most would management, HR policies / into believing that we are making wound model themselves part- strategic planning and research wrong decisions or should have consultants or run a retreat. in Qatar, Middle East, Africa and had a different career. You can do the UK. He provides management a fixed telic job in day- time and We shouldn’t forget, promotion, advice to key organisations and do atelic activities as a volunteer birth of a child, having a different corporations and lend expertise or in the evening and be happy career ambition than your wife to CEOs, and non-executives if you are busy CEO and the role and living apart for a demanding board of directors in the UK, provide good standard of living career can all create mid-career Qatar. He also offers property for but challenging. crisis if the implications are not management advice, dual-couple / discussed openly with wives mid - career support to corporate One of the reasons why people or partners or you seek advice HR departments, research change their career in their well in advance. There is now a projects and MBA work assistant 40s is that they seek their own need for companies to provide for Directors and busy CEOs in interests of their childhood, and a dual – career couple advice and Qatar, sourcing properties and purpose or meaning in their lives’ staff mobility can be handled well higher education sourcing focused activities. In some cultures, your to avoid mid crisis and provide in the UK for Qatari nationals. first career could be your parents’ jobs turnover of important and [email protected] wish and in a mid-career decide demanding roles. to re-instate what you really to

History in the making: First Sudanese females stationed at oilfield camps

Sudan’s first female oilfield workers have been Geologist, petroleum engineer, refraining and dispatched to Heglig oilfield as a result of their transportation engineers being Nasma Zahir, Ibtehal request to receive exposure to field work and Abdalla, Rayan Abdalla, Tagwa Mustafa and Hiba passion to see their work come to life. Ahmed were received with praise by their heads of department at Sudapet and the Ministry of Energy & Historically female workers have been limited Mining. The necessary support and formalities were to the number of days spent at oilfields due immediately granted. to security reasons. Sudan is rising.

SUDAN BUSINESS MAGAZINE 35 ACCELERATE2030 LAUNCHES IN SUDAN TO SCALE ENTREPRENEURIAL SOLUTIONS FOR THE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS

Entrepreneurs are invited to apply to the 2021 Edition before 20th May!

Sudan May 2021 Accelerate2030 has announced with a Global Scaling week in Geneva, Switzerland the launch of its 4th edition in Sudan for the first in November 2021, where they will present their time. Initiated by Impact Hub and the United solutions for the SDGs and connect with corporates, Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in 2016, international organizations, entrepreneurs and Accelerate2030 is the world’s largest program impact investors. for entrepreneurial solutions towards the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and it is open to entrepreneurs from across 20+ locations: “Accelerate2030 gives us a Mexico, Colombia, Argentina, El Salvador, Costa Rica, direct phone line to Geneva, which Venezuela, Nicaragua, Zimbabwe, Nigeria, Rwanda, Zambia, Côte d’Ivoire, Mali, Tanzania, Sudan, is a key ingredient for us to scale Malaysia, Indonesia, China, Turkey, Croatia, quickly. Having connections in and North Macedonia. Geneva contributes to the influence of the company and is attractive to Impact-driven companies are potential investors. The sustainable invited to apply for the A2030 piece of the program was also National Scale-Ready Program really transformative. Nobody offers this at the level and quality that Accelerate2030 is aimed to support entrepreneurs Accelerate2030 achieves this.” with innovative and scalable solutions to the world’s key challenges, as depicted in the UN SDGs. Through -Laure Mendoza, Co-founder and the Accelerate2030 Scale Readiness Program, Chief Product Officer at Unima, entrepreneurs will learn to shape and implement A2030 Global Finalist. their scaling strategy, become investment-ready and successfully measure impact towards the SDGs. Applications are encouraged from impact-driven entrepreneurs from Sudan who: have an impact on the SDGs, have scalability potential, are in the From Local Solutions to growth stage, and have a motivated and skillful team. Global Impact The program’s global cohort of 2019/2020 edition While being open to all themes covered in the received customized mentoring and coaching SDGs, this year in Sudan the program will have support, accompanied by targeted connections special focuses on Digital Transformation and Agro- in the Geneva ecosystem. They went on to raise Tech with a global focus on Good Health & Wellbeing over $6 Million dollars in funding, and increasing (SDG 3) and Clean Water (SDG 6). employment by 40%. Ventures like Impact Water in Lagos, Nigeria increased their capacity to reach Opportunity for Global over 8 Million students with clean water. Partnerships and Support “When we began Accelerate2030, we were barely Apart from the National Scale Readiness Program, beginning to understand international business and the participating companies with the highest how we wanted to scale the company. Now, we are international potential will gain the opportunity to an international company with its headquarters in participate in the Global Scaling Program, starting Amsterdam, and operations in the UK and Costa Rica.

36 SUDAN BUSINESS MAGAZINE ACCELERATE2030 LAUNCHES IN SUDAN TO SCALE ENTREPRENEURIAL Thanks to all the support at Accelerate2030 we were Impact Hub Khartoum (IHK) is part of a global network able to develop, improve and execute such a strategy.” supporting entrepreneurship in more than 100 SOLUTIONS FOR THE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS Alejandro Ortega, Co-founder and CEO of Costa Rica cities around the world. Since 2017, the Hub has Insect Company & Sibö, A2030 Global Finalist. been providing a co-working space for startups and freelancers, curating themed programs and events, and Accelerate2030 is supported globally by Swiss offering capacity building opportunities for nurturing the Agency for Development and Cooperation, Pfizer, local entrepreneurial community. At the heart of the IHK Mava Foundation, International Trade Centre, Boston mission is sustainability and social or environmental Consulting Group. impact-driven business.

To learn more about Accelerate2030’s impact, Contacts for Correspondents: read the 2020 Impact Report here: https://bit.ly/a2030impact Impact Hub Khartoum 0912195063 To apply to Accelerate2030 please visit: https:// Khartoum.impacthub.net accelerate2030.net/sudan/ [email protected] Does your business have a story to tell?

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Ready to share the key to your success? Contact us on [email protected]

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