Egyptian Cooperation in Reconstructing Sudan… Hopes and Prospects

By Cairo Correspondents: Sabah Mousa & Nazik Shamma
With a tone that combined both optimism and concern, Sudanese broadcaster Rasha Al-Rasheed stood on the stage of the Grand Hall at Al-Manara International Conference Centre in Nasr City, Cairo, on Sunday morning, saying:
“We meet today while Sudan is going through one of the most delicate stages in its history. After more than two and a half years of political, military, economic and social crises – after a war imposed upon our country that destroyed almost everything – we gather to reflect together on how to rebuild and reconstruct Sudan. We know that Sudan does not simply need reconstruction of infrastructure or concrete structures to restore an urban form; it needs the rebuilding of the human being, the institutions, the national economy, and social trust. We aim to lay down realistic foundations that can be implemented in a country devastated by war.”
To reinforce this message visually, the organising committee of the second preparatory workshop of the Egyptian–Sudanese Business Forum screened a documentary showing the extensive destruction inflicted upon Khartoum. The audience reacted with tears and murmured, “There is no power nor might except with God” and “God is sufficient for us, and He is the best disposer of affairs.” The film displayed once-prominent landmarks reduced to rubble, scenes steeped in sorrow.
Perhaps for this reason, attendees remained engaged throughout more than seven hours of discussions aimed at transforming the idea of reconstruction into a tangible reality on the ground, with assistance from Egypt, which has extended its hand to help steer its neighbour toward stability, development, and recovery.
Economic Losses
In his paper titled “Reconstruction of Sudan: National Vision, Implementation Mechanisms, and Opportunities for Regional Partnership,” Hisham Al-Shazly, Director of Business Development at the University of Khartoum’s Advisory Board, stated that the war has led to an almost complete halt in economic activity.
He revealed that total economic and infrastructure losses range between $200 and $700 billion. The Sudanese pound sharply deteriorated, reaching 3,500 SDG per US dollar on the parallel market, compared to 570 SDG before the war.
Foreign trade has contracted significantly, with total trade dropping 48%, from $15.45 billion before the war to $8.04 billion afterwards. According to estimates, returning to pre-war levels may take 3–7 years.
Al-Shazly stressed that reconstruction must include rebuilding institutions, governance, social trust, and human capacity, not just physical structure.
He proposed establishing a National Reconstruction Authority reporting directly to the Prime Minister, along with a National Reconstruction and Development Fund with an initial licensed capital of $1 billion.
A Three-Phase Roadmap (to 2035)
PhasePeriodFocus
Early Recovery 2024–2027: Restore essential services and humanitarian support
Transitional Reconstruction 2027–2029: Establish institutions, governance, and ignite investment
Sustainable Development 2029–2035: Implement major strategic projects and attract FDI
Al-Shazly emphasised that Sudanese–Egyptian integration is a key pillar for reconstruction, particularly through the Egypt–Sudan Development and Investments Company.
He estimated total reconstruction needs at $200–250 billion, funded by state budget contributions, Arab and Islamic funds, private-sector partnerships, and external financing through BOT models.
Trade and Logistics
In his paper titled “Logistical Connectivity Between Egypt and Sudan,” Dr Mohammed Ali Ibrahim explained that the main Egyptian exports to Sudan include flour and wheat products (40% of exports), sugar, packaged foods, construction materials, machinery, and medical supplies. Sudanese exports to Egypt include live livestock (35% of Sudan’s exports to Egypt), sesame, peanuts, sorghum, cotton, minerals and gum arabic.
Trade volume stands at approximately $1–1.4 billion annually. Prior to the war, the trade balance was 55% in Egypt’s favour and 45% in Sudan’s. After the war, Sudanese exports declined, shifting the balance to 70% in Egypt’s favour and 30% in Sudan’s.
However, trade faces several challenges:
Bureaucracy and lengthy documentation.
Weak coordination among customs, border and inspection authorities.
Inadequate logistical infrastructure at crossings.
Security risks and smuggling pressures.
Ibrahim proposed:
Expanding and rehabilitating key roads and border crossing facilities.
Establishing joint logistics zones at Argeen and Wadi Halfa.
Introducing a unified electronic customs system.
Developing a railway link between Egypt and Sudan.
Investment Opportunities
Dr Mustafa Mohamed Saber highlighted opportunities in river and maritime transport, including:
Developing the Wadi Halfa – Aswan river line.
Joint investment in river barges and cargo fleets.
Establishing border logistics hubs at Abu Simbel and Wadi Halfa.
Supporting value-added industrial activities (meat processing, oil pressing, fruit processing, light manufacturing).
In conclusion, the workshop presented a shared vision:
Rebuilding Sudan is not just about restoring buildings but about restoring people, governance, economic confidence, and regional cooperation. Egypt’s role, according to participants, will be pivotal—not only as a neighbouring state but as a strategic partner in shaping Sudan’s path toward recovery and long-term stability.

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