Businesses waking up after Sudan April 2023 war crisis

Sudan, a country marred by war and conflict, has seen its fair share of disruptions in recent years. The April 2023 war crisis had a profound impact on the nation's private sector, with businesses struggling to survive amidst the chaos. However, amidst the challenges, there have been stories of resilience and innovation emerging from the rubble. One such story is that of Savannah Innovation Labs, a company that was forced to relocate to Cairo during the height of the crisis but has since returned to eastern Sudan to continue its mission of accelerating innovative Sudanese firms. Yousif Yahya, the founder of Savannah Innovation Labs, recently sat down with CNBC Africa to share insights into the challenges faced by his company and how they have managed to not only survive but thrive in the aftermath of the war. The war, according to Yahya, drastically disrupted the private sector in Sudan, with the manufacturing industry bearing the brunt of the devastation. The devaluation of the currency further compounded the challenges, making it difficult for businesses to operate on a day-to-day basis. However, out of the ashes of destruction emerged new opportunities for innovative entrepreneurs to step in and fill the gaps left by the decimated businesses. Savannah Innovation Labs seized this opportunity to train over 400 aspiring entrepreneurs in eastern Sudan and provide them with access to grants totaling more than 500,000 euros to kickstart their businesses. Yahya emphasized the importance of resilience and innovation in times of crisis, noting that the wiping out of businesses created space for a new breed of entrepreneurs to rise up and make their mark on the Sudanese economy. Manufacturing, in particular, has been identified as a key sector contributing to the economic growth of Sudan, with Savannah Innovation Labs playing a crucial role in supporting and nurturing businesses in this sector. Despite the challenges faced by Sudan, Yahya remains optimistic about the future of his company and its expansion across multiple countries. He discussed the importance of scalability and revenue generation, highlighting the impact of US sanctions on Sudan's ability to conduct business with neighboring countries. With the recent lifting of sanctions and the ongoing war, Yahya sees a strategic opportunity to integrate Sudanese businessmen and women within the diaspora and new host communities to establish valuable partnerships and drive business growth. One example of successful expansion for Savannah Innovation Labs is their partnership with Intilap, a market entry and entrepreneurship-focused organization in Egypt. Through this collaboration, Savannah has been able to support thousands of young Sudanese entrepreneurs by addressing their capacity building needs, facilitating access to finance, and providing guidance on policy changes necessary for business success. Additionally, Savannah has been instrumental in assisting Sudanese businesses in accessing multi-million dollar trade finance loans to expand their operations beyond their current hubs. Looking ahead, Yahya envisions a bright future for Savannah Innovation Labs and its impact on the Sudanese economy. With hubs in Cairo, Nairobi, and Kampala, the company is well-positioned to continue its mission of accelerating innovative Sudanese firms and contributing to the growth and prosperity of the region. As Sudan rebuilds and recovers from the war crisis, Savannah Innovation Labs stands as a beacon of hope and resilience, showcasing the power of entrepreneurship and innovation in times of adversity.