Current Foreign Business Players in Sudan
The United States’ Economic Embargo on Sudan has affected the business ecosystem negatively and devastatingly. But that doesn’t mean that Sudan was completely off the grid and there wasn’t any foreign companies operating inside Sudan since the embargo was made by Bill Clinton in 1997. There is a number of corporations, and organizations that operated in Sudan even during the embargo including some remarkable names in multiple industries.
Quick visuals on the foreign companies and organisations in Sudan
Foreign Companies in Sudan by Country
Foreign Companies in Sudan by Industry
Foreign Companies in Sudan by the country of the company’s HQ
Technology Industry
Huawei
Huawei is a Chinese leading global provider of information and communications technology (ICT) infrastructure and smart devices. With integrated solutions across four key domains — telecom networks, IT, smart devices, and cloud services.[1]
Website:
Bloomberg profile:
https://www.bloomberg.com/profile/company/40978Z:CH
Ericsson
Ericsson is a Swedish Company that provide B2B technology and services. Its services include: Networks, Digital Services, Managed Services and Emerging Business; powered by 5G and IoT platforms.
Website:
Zain
Zain is a Kuwaiti Telecom Company. It started in 1983 in Kuwait as one of the region’s first mobile operators. It provides mobile voice and data services operator with a commercial footprint in 8 Middle Eastern and Africa countries with a workforce of over 6,000 providing a comprehensive range of mobile voice and data Zain is the top Company in Zain Group (Kuwait) HQ.
Zain Group (Kuwait) Headquarters created Zain Sudan in May 2005 by acquiring a minority of 39% stake in the former OpCo (Mobitel) also in addition on February 2006 Zain fully owned the Sudanese Company by acquiring the remaining 61% stake.
Zain Sudan today is a local pioneer mobile Operator (Nationwide) by means of largest customer base operating revenues & network coverage service provider across the Middle East and North Africa.
The Company offers a wide range of modern Telecom services to suit all needs and requirements of its stakeholders. Zain launched the World’s latest 4G (LTE) service in March 2016, as the first Operator in Sudan.
Website:
Bloomberg Profile:
https://www.bloomberg.com/profile/company/690659Z:US
MTN
MTN Group Limited entered the telecommunications scene at the dawn of South Africa’s democracy, in 1994. In 1998, we began our expansion by acquiring licenses in Rwanda, Uganda and Swaziland. Since then, it continued to grow, with a view of bringing world-class telecommunications and digital services to markets across Africa and the Middle East. Through their extensive investment in advanced communication infrastructure over the past two decades, the talent and experience of our people, as well as the strength of our brand, they’ve have grown to now have a presence in 21 countries, connecting over 230 million people. We offer an integrated suite of communications products and services, including traditional mobile voice and data, digital and mobile financial services as well as enterprise services. MTN continues to believe in the investment potential of emerging markets and thus deliver quality services that respond to our customers’ present and future needs.[2]
Website:
Bloomberg Profile:
Appness Technology
AppNess Technology is an Omani Company that provide B2B IT services design, engineering, installation and implementation to service and training with technology solutions.
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Vision Valley
Vision Valley is an Emirati Technology Company. It was Founded in 2002 as a systems integration company, since then it has diversified and expanded to become a leader in solutions and services for the Middle East and North Africa telecommunications, networking and information technology industries. Their areas of expertise lie in next-generation technologies such as mobile and business applications, collaboration, networking, wireless connectivity and ICT outsourcing. Their services include site surveys, installation, commissioning, integration and maintenance for major mobile operators as well as consultancy services that support mobile technology solutions. They support and provide services from major vendors of networking systems and mobile infrastructure. They offer an elaborate range of enterprise applications, advanced broadband wireless and video conferencing technologies. Additionally, they offer network analysis, network management, advanced systems integration, connectivity solutions and project management.
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International Turnkey Systems
Since 1981, the Kuwaiti International Turnkey Systems Group (ITS) has remained at the forefront of information technology, providing cutting edge business solutions that have helped hundreds of organizations worldwide sustain growth in a dynamic and competitive, global business environment.
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ZTE
ZTE is a provider of advanced telecommunications systems, mobile devices and enterprise technology solutions to consumers, operators, companies and public sector customers. As a part of ZTE’s strategy, the company is committed to providing customers with integrated end-to-end innovations to deliver excellence and value as the telecommunications and information technology sectors converge. Listed in the stock exchanges of Hong Kong and Shenzhen (H share stock code: 0763.HK / A share stock code: 000063.SZ), ZTE sells its products and services in more than 160 countries.[3]
Website:
Education
Goethe Institute
The Goethe-Institut is the cultural institute of the Federal Republic of Germany with a global reach. It promote knowledge of the German language abroad and foster international cultural cooperation. They convey a comprehensive image of Germany by providing information about cultural, social and political life in our nation. Its cultural and educational programmes encourage intercultural dialogue and enable cultural involvement. They strengthen the development of structures in civil society and foster worldwide mobility. With its network of Goethe-Instituts, Goethe Centres, cultural societies, reading rooms and exam and language learning centres, we have been the first point of contact for many with Germany for over sixty years. Its long-lasting partnerships with leading institutions and individuals in over ninety countries create enduring trust in Germany. It is a partner for all who actively engage with Germany and its culture, working independently and without political ties.[4]
Website:
Youtube Channel:
Bloomberg Profile:
https://www.bloomberg.com/profile/company/0872320D:GR
British Council
The British Council is the United Kingdom’s international organisation for cultural relations and educational opportunities. The British Council is committed to a policy of equal opportunity and is keen to reflect the diversity of UK society at every level within the organisation. [5]
Website:
DAAD
The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) is the German national agency for the support of international academic cooperation. It offer programs and funding for students, faculty, researchers and others in higher education, providing financial support to over 55,000 individuals per year. It’s also represent the German higher education system abroad, promote Germany as an academic and research destination, and help build ties between institutions around the world.[6]
Website:
Logistics and Supply Chain
DHL
DHL is the leading global brand in the logistics industry. Our divisions offer an unrivalled portfolio of logistics services ranging from national and international parcel delivery, e-commerce shipping and fulfillment solutions, international express, road, air and ocean transport to industrial supply chain management. With about 380,000 employees in more than 220 countries and territories worldwide, DHL connects people and businesses securely and reliably, enabling global sustainable trade flows. With specialized solutions for growth markets and industries including technology, life sciences and healthcare, engineering, manufacturing & energy, auto-mobility and retail, DHL is decisively positioned as “The logistics company for the world”. DHL is part of Deutsche Post DHL Group.[7]
Website:
Bollore Logistics
Bolloré Logistics is a French Logistics Company. It is a subsidiary of Bolloré, a highly diversified, independent industrial group that ranks among the world’s top 10 in transport and logistics. Bolloré Logistics has developed a powerful network spread across 109 countries, with 600 offices and 20,950 professionals responding to your specific requirements.
Website:
Maersk Group
Maersk is an integrated transport and logistics company with multiple brands and is a global leader in container shipping and ports. Including a stand-alone Energy division, the company employs roughly 88.000 employees across operations in 130 countries.
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Aramex
Aramex is an Emarati Provider of comprehensive logistics and transportation solutions. Established in 1982, as an express operator, Aramex rapidly transformed itself into a global brand recognized for its customized services and innovative multi-product offering. Our range of services includes international and domestic express delivery, freight forwarding, integrated logistics solutions, consumer retail services, and e-commerce solutions. At Aramex, our unique business model and commitment to innovation drive every strategic decision. The Aramex network encompasses more than 600 offices in over 65 countries and employs over 15,900 people offering comprehensive logistics and transportation solutions to both retail and wholesale customers worldwide.
Website:
Facilities Services
GCC Services
GCC SERVICES is an internationally quality service provider of integrated facilities management, construction and engineering and supply logistics service solutions. It support project operators, contractors and humanitarian organizations in their operations everywhere, every day. Headquartered in UAE and operating in 9 diverse geographical locations around the world, it’s active in a wide range of project environments, including some of the world’s most challenging regions. It has offices in Kuwait, U.A.E, Iraq, France, Cyprus, Sudan, Uganda, Indonesia, Australia. GCC SERVICES is part of the Agility Group, a global integrated logistics provider of supply chain solutions. Agility is distinguished by its global network and leading position in emerging markets.[8]
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Trade
Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit
As a service provider in the field of international cooperation for sustainable development and international education work, we are dedicated to shaping a future worth living around the world. GIZ has over 50 years of experience in a wide variety of areas, including economic development and employment promotion, energy and the environment, and peace and security. The diverse expertise of our federal enterprise is in demand around the globe — from the German Government, European Union institutions, the United Nations, the private sector and governments of other countries. We work with businesses, civil society actors and research institutions, fostering successful interaction between development policy and other policy fields and areas of activity. Our main commissioning party is the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ).
The commissioning parties and cooperation partners all place their trust in GIZ, and we work with them to generate ideas for political, social and economic change, to develop these into concrete plans and to implement them. Since we are a public-benefit federal enterprise, German and European values are central to our work. Together with our partners in national governments worldwide and cooperation partners from the worlds of business, research and civil society, we work flexibly to deliver effective solutions that offer people better prospects and sustainably improve their living conditions.
The registered offices of GIZ are in Bonn and Eschborn (Germany). In 2018, we generated a business volume of around 3 billion euros. Our 20,726 employees work in around 120 countries.[9]
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Hotels
Corinthia Hotels
Corinthia Hotels is a collection of individually-designed, distinctive five star hotels located across some of the most exciting destinations across Europe and North Africa. First launched as a family business over 50 years ago with our inaugural property in Malta, Corinthia has maintained the passion for perfecting craftsmanship in authentic design and intuitive, warm service that so inspired its inception. Situated in some of the most intriguing areas of the world, each of our 9 award-winning hotels and resorts is a unique tribute to local architecture and cultural traditions.
Rotana manages a portfolio of over 68 properties throughout the Middle East, Africa, Eastern Europe and Turkey offering a wide range of services and products.
Website:
https://www.rotana.com/destinations/sudan/khartoum
Banking
Qatar National Bank
Qatar National Bank (Q.P.S.C.) (QNB Group) was established in 1964 as the country’s first Qatari-owned commercial bank, with an ownership structure split between the Qatar Investment Authority (50%) and the remaining (50%) held by members of the public. For the three months ended 31 March 2020, Net Profit reached QAR3.6 billion (USD1.0 billion), in line with March 2019 profitability. Total Assets reached QAR964 billion (USD265 billion), an increase of 9% from 31 March 2019. QNB Group has steadily grown to be the biggest bank in Qatar and the largest financial institution in the Middle East and Africa region.In 2016, QNB Group completed the acquisition of 99.88% stake in Turkey’s Finansbank A.Ş. (now known as QNB Finansbank), the 5th largest privately owned universal bank. In 2013, the Group successfully completed the acquisition of the second largest private bank in Egypt, QNB ALAHLI (QNBAA) with existing ownership of 95.00%. The Group has also extended its regional footprint by acquiring stakes in various financial institutions including a 20.1% stake in Ecobank Transnational Incorporated (Ecobank), the leading pan-African bank based in Togo, a 35% stake in the Jordan-based, the Housing Bank for Trade and Finance (HBTF), 40% of Commercial Bank International (CBI) based in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), 99.99% of QNB Tunisia, 51% of the Iraqi-based Al-Mansour Investment Bank, and a 20% stake in the Al Jazeera Finance Company in Doha. QNB Group also retains a 51% stake in QNB-Syria, and a 90.96% stake in QNB Indonesia. Based on the Group’s consistent strong financial performance and its expanding international presence, QNB is currently ranked as the most valuable bank brand in the Middle East and Africa, according to Brand Finance Magazine. QNB Group has an active community support program and sponsors various social, educational and sporting events. [10]
Website:
Tobacco
Japan Tobacco International
JTI, Japan Tobacco International is a Swiss Tobacco Company.
It was formed in 1999 when its parent company JT Group acquired the non-US operations of R.J.Reynolds. Since then, its international workforce has driven two decades of growth. Its mission is to nurture our internationally recognized brand roster while leading the way in Reduced-Risk Products and new ways of doing business.
Website:
Pharmaceuticals
Hikma
Hikma is a British Company that creates high quality medicines, and make them accessible and affordable to the people who need them. It’s a global company with a local presence, and we use our unique insight and expertise to transform cutting-edge science into innovative solutions that transform people’s lives.
Website:
Tabuk Pharmaceuticals
Established in 1994, Tabuk Pharma develops, manufactures, markets and distributes various pharmaceutical products, in addition to other pharmaceutical products it manufactures for international companies in its factories inside and outside the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Tabuk Pharma is a key player in the Middle East and North Africa thanks to its four advanced manufacturing sites in Tabuk and Dammam in Saudi Arabia as well as Sudan & Algeria. The company operates in 17 countries in the region, and it is working towards further regional expansion. Tabuk Pharma adopts a meticulous system for controlling and safeguarding the quality of its products. The system is managed by more than 2,400 qualified employees trained to ensure that all the company’s products adhere to high quality standards. The company operates an advanced research center staffed by a team of experts and manufactures products addressing several therapeutic fields, including central nervous, cardiovascular, respiratory, musculoskeletal, gastrointestinal systems & anti-infectives.
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Non-Profit Organizations
Médecins Sans Frontières
Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) is the world’s leading independent international medical relief organization, implementing and managing medical projects in close to 72 countries worldwide and as a worldwide movement of 33 offices and associations. Our work focuses on emergency medical and humanitarian relief. It’s guided by the principles of independence, neutrality and impartiality, as described in the MSF Charter. It implements its medical programs in areas where no health or sanitary systems exist, or where health structures are overwhelmed by the needs of populations. For more than 40 years, it has been providing medical assistance to people affected by armed conflicts, natural disasters, disease epidemics, malnutrition crises and other emergencies. It offers medical and humanitarian assistance to people based on their needs — irrespective of race, religion, gender or political affiliation. It observes neutrality in situations of conflict, and impartiality in the name of medical ethics. To ensure our independence, the majority of our funding is provided by private donations from members of the public. Additional funding may come from foundations, governments and international institutions.
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Plan International
Plan International is a development and humanitarian organisation that advances children’s rights and equality for girls. It strives for a just world, working together with children, young people, our supporters and partners. It’s independent of governments, religions and political parties. What does Plan International do? We work with children, young people and communities to tackle the root causes of discrimination against girls, exclusion and vulnerability. It supports children’s rights from birth until they reach adulthood. Our work enables children to prepare for and respond to crises and adversity. It drives changes in practice and policy at local, national and global levels using our reach, experience and knowledge. Plan International has been building powerful partnerships for children for over 75 years, and is active in over 70 countries.
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To sum up, this was just a sample of the current major foreign corporations that are currently operating in Sudan despite the fact of the U.S. Embargo on the Republic of Sudan.
[1]https://www.linkedin.com/company/huawei/about/
[2]https://www.linkedin.com/company/mtn/about/
[3]https://www.linkedin.com/company/zte/about/
[4]https://www.linkedin.com/company/goethe-institut/about/
[5]https://www.linkedin.com/company/british-council/about/
[6]https://www.linkedin.com/school/daad-german-academic-exchange-service/about/
[7]https://www.linkedin.com/company/dhl/about/
[8]https://www.linkedin.com/company/gccservices/about/
[9]https://www.linkedin.com/company/gizgmbh/about/
[10]https://www.linkedin.com/company/qatar-national-bank-group/about/
