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Sudan
- Sudan is currently (as of late 2024/early 2025) experiencing devastating civil conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which has displaced millions, destroyed infrastructure, and created one of the world's worst humanitarian crises; business activity is severely disrupted.
- Before the conflict, Sudan's economy relied on agriculture (the largest employer), gold mining, livestock, and limited oil production (reduced after South Sudan's independence in 2011 took most oil reserves).
- Islam shapes social, legal, and business norms; Sharia law has historically influenced the legal framework, though the 2019 revolution and transitional government introduced reforms.
- Arabic is the official language, with numerous local languages; English is used in some international business and diplomatic contexts.
- Personal relationships and trust, built through family, tribal, and community networks, are the foundation of business; formal institutions have been weakened by decades of authoritarian rule, sanctions, and conflict.
- The civil war that began in April 2023 between SAF and RSF has devastated Khartoum and many other areas, creating massive displacement, economic collapse, and humanitarian emergency; business planning must account for this reality.
- International sanctions history (US sanctions were lifted in 2017, but new conflict-related restrictions apply) creates complex compliance requirements for any business engagement.
- Before the conflict, Sudan was making progress on economic reform, including subsidy removal, exchange rate unification, and anti-money-laundering measures, as conditions for debt relief and international reintegration.
- Agriculture potential remains enormous; Sudan has vast arable land and water resources (Nile system), and agricultural modernisation could be transformational when stability returns.
- The Sudanese diaspora (in Gulf states, Egypt, Europe, North America) plays a crucial economic role through remittances and is likely to be pivotal in reconstruction when conditions allow.
- Communication is warm, hospitable, and relationship-centred; Sudanese culture places high value on courtesy, generosity, and personal connection.
- Arabic is the primary business language; Sudanese Arabic has distinctive characteristics, and appreciation for the local dialect demonstrates respect.
- Indirect communication is the norm for sensitive topics; maintaining honour and dignity (karama) is paramount, and direct confrontation causes serious offence.
- Tea (shai) and coffee (jabana) rituals are fundamental to social and business interaction; sharing these beverages is a bonding ritual that precedes all business discussion.
- Respect for elders, religious leaders, and tribal authorities is deeply embedded in communication norms.
- Business has traditionally operated through personal networks and trust-based relationships; formal institutions and regulatory frameworks are underdeveloped and have been further weakened by conflict.
- Hierarchy based on age, family status, and social position influences workplace dynamics; deference to senior figures is expected.
- The pace of business is relationship-driven; investment in personal connection, extended social interaction, and patient negotiation is the path to results.
- Sudanese workers are resilient, resourceful, and adaptable, having navigated decades of economic hardship and political instability.
- Islamic work rhythms (prayer times, Ramadan, Friday congregational prayer) shape the business week and daily schedule.
- Greet with the Islamic greeting ("As-salamu alaykum") and a handshake between men; with women, follow their lead regarding physical greeting; a hand-over-heart gesture is always respectful.
- Dress modestly in accordance with Islamic norms; men wear business attire or traditional Sudanese clothing (jalabiya and imma turban); women should cover arms, legs, and preferably hair.
- Accept tea (shai) and food when offered; Sudanese hospitality is legendarily generous, and declining is an affront.
- Gift-giving is customary when visiting; dates, quality teas, or items from your home country are appropriate.
- Remove shoes when entering mosques and traditional homes; follow your host's lead in all settings.
- Travel to Sudan is extremely dangerous during the current conflict; check government travel advisories, and if travel is necessary, engage professional security consultants, evacuation planning, and insurance.
- Khartoum International Airport's operations have been severely disrupted by the conflict; alternate entry points and regional logistics should be assessed based on current conditions.
- Medical facilities have been devastated by the conflict; comprehensive medical evacuation insurance is essential; carry a personal medical kit.
- The Sudanese Pound (SDG) has experienced extreme inflation; US Dollars are essential for major transactions; mobile money and cash are the primary payment methods.
- Climate is hot and arid in the north, tropical in the south; sand storms (haboob) are common in the Khartoum area; the rainy season (July-September) affects travel in many areas.
- The current conflict makes standard business leadership advice secondary to crisis management, duty of care, and contingency planning; the safety of your people must be the absolute first priority.
- When conditions stabilise, leading in Sudan will require deep cultural sensitivity, patience, and genuine respect for the diversity of Sudanese communities.
- Build trust through personal relationships and demonstrated commitment; Sudanese professionals who have navigated extraordinary hardship respect leaders who show integrity and staying power.
- Invest in community and workforce development; Sudan's enormous potential can only be realised through human capital investment and inclusive economic participation.
- Engage with the Sudanese diaspora as a resource for talent, investment, and cultural bridge-building; the diaspora will be essential to reconstruction.