Thinking of working, investing or putting up a business in Sudan? Working and living in a hardship area like Sudan presents some challenges as well as opportunities for investors and business minded locals that can be implemented to address these challenges. Here are some of many;
1- Construction - In Juba and many other Southern cities, construction is the most profitable investment. Most companies are from Kenya and Uganda, but also from Italy, Belgium and as far as China. Labour for the same is never in short supply as it both local and international. Genuine Southern Sudanese companies are yet to be seen carrying out any big project. The need for building schools, clinics/hospitals, offices, accommodation such as hotels, houses, apartments and so forth is so immense and ever growing, and only those who dare enough will benefit the most.
2- Fisheries. Currently most fish consumed in Juba town is imported from Uganda. It’s a shame! We have the Nile River full of fish, but no Southern Sudanese company is exploiting this resource as yet in Juba area. Think about what is needed to make it work!
3- Beef. Contrary to fisheries, most red meat consumed is from local livestock, especially goats and poultry; so starting a farm for this purpose can prove very profitable. Land issue must be considered if there is interest in investing in this business, but provisional solution could be to lease it from locals.
4- Vegetables. Currently they are mostly imported from Uganda. Like with livestock, land issue must be considered here as well.
5- Agriculture. Investment in mechanized agriculture is needed for food security in the region. The famous July’s hunger can be easily combated by growing food in Jonglei state alone, not to even mention the rest of fertile lands in the other Southern states.
6- Pharmacies. Renk in Upper Nile State, a small town of less than 60,000 people, has more pharmacies than Southern Sudan’s capital, Juba, a city of 500,000 people.
7- Transportation. It goes without a say. Only reminder is that physical conditions of roads and security are yet questionable in some areas. River transportation is also a very good idea. Explore!
8- Education - various training courses: Computer, construction, customer service!!!, and so forth. You name it!
9- Import. I do think it is imperative that we create more Southern Sudanese import companies to counteract the current trend of foreign importers.
10- Lumberjack - Yei and surroundings the population of teak is immense, though a way to protect nature should be devised before cutting down the trees. As a matter of fact, the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MoAF) in the GOSS has been working on it, and has put laws against illegal lumberjack. Despite improved control, there is still a long way to go.
11- Building materials. Making windows, doors, chairs, beds, etc. is also very profitable since they are now imported from Uganda, or built onsite by expatriates from neighbouring countries.
12- Bottled water. The market remains unsaturated; though imports from Uganda still dominate it (Rwenzori Mineral Water). Be creative and competitive!
13- Garages/mechanic/spare parts. Vehicles are breaking down like bread.
14- Recycling – Scrap metals, food wastes and human waste, plastic bottles are all recyclable. This creates an additional revenue stream in as well as a sensible way to deal with waste disposal and creating alternative energy in the case of bio gas from food waste and a cleaner environment.
15- Alternative Energy – Sudan which boasts of hosting the Sahara desert is also well endowed with plenty of sunshine. If harnessed, it can provide a good supply of alternative affordable solar energy to compliment the unstable electricity supply.h
Technology! Health! Entertainment Facilities! and much much more business opportunities awaiting to be discovered!!! Are you up for the challenge?..
