Industries in Sudan
In 1998, the Sudanese industrial sector contributed only 17 percent to the country’s GDP. Despite these shortcomings, the industry has the potential to dramatically reduce the country’s reliance on imports. Sudan is the world’s third-largest producer of sesame seeds. Sugarcane is also a major crop in Sudan. Approximately 3.3 million acres of land was cultivated by the country’s farmers in 2014.
The agricultural sector was the largest industry in Sudan, accounting for more than two million feddans of land. The entire enterprise was run by one management, and it was the largest source of foreign currency for decades. In 2011, the agricultural sector employed just 7.2% of the country’s population. During the same period, over 1.8 million Sudanese expatriates were living and working in Saudi Arabia and the Arab Gulf states. A significant number of Sudanese also migrated to the United States and Europe. Sudanese expatriates send over USD 3 billion home each year, which is the second largest source of foreign currency for the country.
Aside from oil and gas production, other industries are essential to the country’s economy. The Haggar Group operates in several fields, including construction and food manufacturing. Other companies include Iwatoka, which specializes in oil exploration and production. Moreover, Dynamic International Oil Well Services was founded in 2005. Sudasat and Dolphin (2013) are satellite services companies in Sudan. The group also owns Coldair Engineering Company.
The exports of Sudan in 2013 were USD 3.92 billion and imported USD 7.83 billion, resulting in a negative trade balance of -$3.91 billion. The largest exports of Sudan were crude petroleum, wheat, and oilseeds other than sesame. Other top imports were processed food, vehicles, and packaged medicines. In addition, Sudan also has two investment banks. In 2017, it was estimated that Sudan exported USD 1.9 billion worth of goods, making it the 123rd largest country in the world.
The Largest Industries in Sudan
In the petroleum sector, the largest industry in Sudan is the refinery. In 2005, Petronas and the government of Sudan contracted to build a refinery in the country. Currently, it owns the Sudan Railways and is building an expanding road network. However, railways have traditionally carried most of the country’s freight, but heavy investments in roads encouraged a greater reliance on motor vehicles. Its oil and gas reserves also generate more employment.
The modern-day Sudan was previously known as Nubia. A kingdom known as Kerma existed between 2500 B.C. and was later independent from Egypt. It existed in various forms until the middle of the 4th century A.D. After the fall of the Kush Kingdom, the Nubians formed three Christian kingdoms – Makuria, Nobatia, and Alodia. These kingdoms lasted until about 1500 A.D.
largest family companies in Sudan
Oil is Sudan’s largest export. More than one-third of the country’s exports come from oil and gas. Oil and gas production, which accounts for 25 per cent of the total country’s exports, is the second-largest industry. Oil exploration started in 1959 after an Italian oil company was awarded a concession in the Red Sea region in the north. Thereafter, several European companies tried to explore the country for oil, but none of them had any success.
