Sudan’s ongoing civil war has left the country in turmoil, with over 20,000 deaths and millions displaced. Yet, amidst the chaos, some parts of Sudan remain relatively stable, allowing pockets of economic activity to persist. One such area is Port Sudan and Kassala, where a startup incubator, Savannah Innovation Labs, has resumed operations after a six-month pause. This demonstrates the resilience of Sudan's entrepreneurial spirit even in times of conflict.
Savannah Innovation Labs: Building Startups Amid War
Founded by Yousif Yahya in 2018, Savannah Innovation Labs focuses on fostering tech innovation and startups in Sudan. The incubator had to temporarily shut down when the war broke out in April 2023, with staff fleeing the capital for safety. Despite the grim circumstances, Yahya relocated to Cairo, Egypt, where he continued to run the incubator, resuming operations in eastern Sudan.
The incubator's flagship program, We-Rise bootcamp, supported by the European Union and the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation, aims to foster local entrepreneurship. Over 300 businesses participated, with the top 100 finalists receiving grant funding between €2,500 and €7,500, enabling them to pursue their ventures despite the ongoing war.
Expanding Beyond Borders: A Focus on Talent Development
Yahya believes that talent is the key to Sudan's tech transformation. Savannah has expanded its network beyond Sudan, establishing connections in Uganda, Kenya, and Egypt to bring together members of Sudan's startup community who have fled the conflict. The goal remains to nurture the talent that will drive Sudan’s future entrepreneurial ecosystem, even in the face of adversity.
Before the war, Savannah had helped university students gain experience with tech companies, giving them a taste of startup culture. Yahya is adamant that developing local talent is critical for long-term success, as these individuals will go on to build businesses that can thrive in a post-war Sudan.
A Vision for Post-War Sudan: Emerging Markets and Venture Capital
Yahya envisions Sudan becoming a ripe market for venture capital after the war. The conflict has severely impacted large family-owned businesses, leaving room for a new generation of entrepreneurs to step in. He predicts that these young leaders will establish funds and advisory firms in sectors traditionally dominated by their families, creating a vibrant venture capital scene.
Yahya also looks to other conflict-torn regions, like the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), as potential untapped markets for innovation. Despite the risks, he believes these regions hold tremendous potential for tech startups, given their large populations and unmet needs.
A New Dawn for Sudan's Startup Ecosystem
Sudan’s startup ecosystem is still in its early stages, but with the efforts of Savannah Innovation Labs, 249Startups, and Impact Hub, there is hope for the future. The lifting of some sanctions in 2017 had previously given the ecosystem a boost, and Yahya remains optimistic that, post-war, Sudan will emerge as a vibrant hub for startups and venture capital.
As the country grapples with its future, entrepreneurs like Yahya are already laying the groundwork for Sudan’s next chapter, one that includes a thriving startup ecosystem ready to tackle the challenges of rebuilding a war-torn nation.
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