Come on, Youth: Restore Growth and Reduce Poverty| Sudanow Magazine

Khartoum (Sudanow) — The war has destroyed one-third of Sudan’s economic assets. It has pushed more than half of the population below the poverty line. Restoring growth and reducing poverty now depend heavily on the youth.

The war waged by the Rapid Support Forces militia has inflicted massive damage on the Sudanese economy, affecting all three main sectors: agriculture, industry, and services.

Regarding the productive sectors, a government committee report issued at the end of 2024 estimated total losses at 89 billion US dollars.

As for losses in the private sector—represented in the looting and destruction of markets, the looting of citizens’ homes, vehicles, and personal savings—initial estimates place them at around 43 billion US dollars.

This brings total losses to approximately 132 billion US dollars.

However, lost income opportunities, disruptions in financial circulation across economic activities, lost years of education in schools and universities, and halted progress in major development projects far exceed this figure.

These enormous losses have increased the proportion of the population living below the poverty line to more than 60 percent, while unemployment has risen above 40 percent. The economy also recorded negative growth rates during the years 2023, 2024, and 2025 compared to 2022, before the war.

How can growth be restored and, consequently, poverty and unemployment reduced?

The agricultural sector, both crop and livestock, is the fastest and most promising avenue for recovery and overcoming losses, due to the availability of natural resources across many states.

At present, the government—through the relevant ministries of agriculture and livestock—is working on plans to revive major agricultural and livestock projects. However, this process may take several years. Therefore, young people are encouraged to engage in small and micro-enterprises with quick returns to support themselves and their families in overcoming poverty.

Small and micro agricultural projects include:

Raising goats and sheep, such as Saanen breeds for milk production and rapid reproduction, or calf fattening

Home gardening or nurseries to grow ornamental plants and herbs for sale in shops or online

Greenhouse vegetable farming, utilizing small spaces to produce high-demand crops such as tomatoes and leafy vegetables

Simple manufacturing industries are among the most profitable sectors in Sudan, due to the availability of local raw materials and the high demand for locally produced goods. Key projects in this area include:

Soap and detergent production, which can be carried out at home or in small workshops to produce various types of soap and disinfectants, especially given the shutdown of many large factories

Leather product manufacturing, utilizing livestock resources to produce high-quality shoes, bags, and belts

Oil presses and grain mills, through small units for extracting vegetable oils or grinding grains and spices

Dairy product manufacturing such as yogurt, cheese, and ghee, whether from home-based operations or small-scale facilities

Government policies, along with those of the central bank and commercial banks, provide financing opportunities for young people to establish such projects. Banks and microfinance institutions offering support include savings banks, farmers’ banks, agricultural banks, family banks, innovation banks, the National Microfinance Institution, Azm Company, Irada Company, the Red Sea Foundation, Basayed Foundation, Al-Tomouh Company, A’nab Company, Al-Ghurra Foundation, the Rural Development Foundation, and the Social Development Institution in Khartoum State.

All these institutions are ready to provide financing for youth-led projects. What, then, is required from young people?

They need to prepare a feasibility study for their project. This can be done independently or with the help of a specialist. Some microfinance institutions even offer free feasibility studies after verifying the applicant’s seriousness and technical knowledge.

Banks and microfinance institutions require guarantees in exchange for financing. Various forms of guarantees can be provided, such as group guarantees, cooperative associations, a guarantor check from a parent or family member, or pledging project equipment to the bank or institution, in addition to other accessible forms of collateral.

Young people are urged to take the initiative. Banks and microfinance institutions are encouraged to facilitate access to financing. The Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports, along with state-level ministries, are called upon to establish specialized departments dedicated to helping young people launch and finance their projects.

Success ultimately depends on initiative, coordination, and the effective use of available resources.

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