On November 19, 2024, Orange Corners Sudan held its first in-person board meeting since the outbreak of conflict in Sudan. During this board meeting, the private partners demonstrated their ambition to foster and support entrepreneurship, even in the midst of the current conflict. Despite significant losses and uncertainty, these partners confirmed their commitment to support the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Sudan, a vital pillar for economic recovery and stability.
The meeting highlighted the critical role of entrepreneurship in creating jobs, providing opportunities for youth, stabilising local markets and encouraging innovation. The continued engagement of Orange Corners Sudan’s private partners is instrumental in ensuring that young entrepreneurs can contribute to a more stable, resilient and hopeful future for Sudan, despite the challenges of the conflict.
The Nairobi gathering: potential of collaboration with the private sector
The day prior, on November 18, 2024, the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Sudan, in collaboration with the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO) and the Clingendael Institute, hosted a gathering in Nairobi, Kenya. This event brought together Sudanese businesses and international donor organisations, to foster collaboration and strengthen relationships.
Despite the severe impacts of the ongoing conflict in Sudan, the private sector showcases its resilience and continues to play a vital role in delivering goods and services, particularly in areas where aid organisations struggle to operate. And by doing so, providing employment opportunities and offer perspective to the Sudanese population, including youth, and stabilising local markets and the economy.
This gathering provided a platform for Sudanese businesses to exchange experiences, discuss future prospects, and explore collaboration opportunities with the Netherlands Embassy to Sudan, its programmes and other international donors.
Importance for the Netherlands
Sudan’s private sector is not only a critical driver of local resilience, but also an essential partner for Dutch businesses. Some Sudanese companies are buyers of Dutch products, such as seeds and agricultural products, underscoring the mutual benefits of a functioning Sudanese economy. Strengthening the Sudanese private sector means maintaining markets for Dutch products. By supporting Sudanese businesses through initiatives like Orange Corners Sudan, the Netherlands ensures the continuation of these economic ties while contributing to local economic recovery.
Moreover, the collaboration between international donors and Sudanese businesses offers a promising model for improving the efficiency, reach and impact of humanitarian and development efforts.
A path forward
Both the Orange Corners Sudan board meeting and the Nairobi gathering reaffirmed the critical role of the private sector in Sudan’s recovery. By continuing to invest in private sector development, even in challenging conflict settings, the Netherlands can help foster stability and prosperity in Sudan. These efforts not only strengthen local economies but also maintain valuable markets and partnerships for Dutch enterprises, illustrating the shared benefits of such collaborations.
