Sudan Makes a Strong Showing at Arab-German Economic Forum
Berlin – Sudanhorizon
Sudan participated with an official delegation representing the Sudanese Businessmen’s Union in the 28th Arab-German Economic Forum, held in the German capital, Berlin, from May 19 to 21. The forum was jointly organized by the Arab-German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GHORFA), with support from the German Ministry of Economics and Climate Protection, and saw broad participation from chambers of commerce and private sector institutions from both the Arab and German sides.
The Sudanese delegation was headed by Ambassador Ilham Ibrahim Mohamed Ahmed, Sudan’s Ambassador to Germany, and was accompanied by a number of Sudanese businessmen representing the private sector and the Sudanese Businessmen’s Union.
Businessmen participating in the forum confirmed that Sudan’s participation was marked by a strong presence in a number of fruitful side meetings. The delegation received significant interest from the German side, clearly reflected in the large turnout at the roundtable meeting on Sudan, which was held on the sidelines of the forum on the second day, just one day after Khartoum State was declared rebel-free and safe. This was a particular focus of the German attendees. The roundtable discussed investment opportunities in Sudan, particularly in safe states such as Northern State, River Nile State, Red Sea State, and Gedaref. It highlighted the ongoing victories achieved by the Sudanese Armed Forces, which have contributed to limiting the war to the western states of Sudan, paving the way for the return of economic activity and attracting investors.
In her remarks during the session, Ambassador Ilham emphasized that Sudan has taken an important step toward political transition with the appointment of Professor Kamil Idris as Prime Minister, paving the way for the formation of a civilian government that places the economy at the forefront of its priorities.
On the sidelines of the forum, the Sudanese delegation held an important meeting with Ms. Claudia Voß, Executive Vice President of Afrika-Verein der deutschen Wirtschaft e.V., a leading German organization dedicated to strengthening economic relations between Germany and African countries. The two sides discussed the importance of conveying the true image of Sudan, overcoming the negative perceptions promoted by some media outlets, and instead focusing on the realistic opportunities available in the mining, agriculture, and energy sectors.
The roundtable also highlighted Sudan’s vast natural resources, most notably the gold sector, which ranks third in Africa and ninth globally in gold production. Sudan also boasts significant potential in agriculture and solar energy, which has become a strategic option after the electricity infrastructure was targeted during the conflict.
During his speech, Mr. Olaf Hoffmann, President of the Chamber, confirmed their intention to organize an official visit to Sudan by the end of this year for a German economic delegation, including a number of entrepreneurs from various sectors.
It is worth noting that Sudan has been absent from the Chamber’s sessions for three consecutive years. However, the Sudanese Embassy in Berlin has given significant attention this year, aiming to activate Sudan’s participation in this session in particular, despite the exceptional circumstances the country is experiencing. The embassy made a significant effort to communicate with the organizing bodies, invite Sudanese businessmen, and coordinate the inclusion of Sudan on the list of participating countries. It also succeeded in including a roundtable meeting on Sudan on the official forum agenda, a milestone that brought Sudan back to the heart of the Arab-German economic dialogue.
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