Sudan is the largest country in Africa, with an estimated population of 36.2 million in 2005. The population growth rate is 2.6 %, slightly above that of Sub-Saharan Africa (2.1%). The per capita income was $340 in 2001, reaching $650 in 2005. Today, Sudan is experiencing the first stages of economic prosperity and rapid boom. It was during the late 1990s that indications of economic transformation, reflected by the sharp rise of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) took place.

In 2006, the Sudanese economy boasted an 8.6% growth of GDP and ranked second, worldwide, in terms of GDP growth rate. This development is largely the result of increased political stability and rapid expansion of the oil industry. Following the signing of the peace agreement between Northern and Southern Sudan, the country has fully re-engaged itself with the international community both politically and economically. Market access to international trade is now granted at unprecedented levels, Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) has increased by 223% since 2002, reaching 2 billion USD in 2005. This is partly due to the new Sudan Investment Act which has created a more attractive economic environment for local and global investors.

The Sudanese private sector has greatly flourished too: credit received from the banking sector to support this growth has increased by 8% since 2002. The banking sector has also developed by an impressive 12% with increasing demand on its services to support a larger and more dynamic private sector. A corresponding and impressive increase in the shipping and logistics field has equally accompanied this economic activity.

All in all, with continued stabilization of Sudan, the country has reached a prime position for business opportunity never quite seen before.

And this is just the beginning…