Sudan has issued a strategic call for partnership aimed at tapping into Africa’s burgeoning halal economy and making its vast agricultural resources accessible to Indonesian companies. Sudanese Ambassador to Indonesia, Yassir Mohamed Ali, announced that his country is prepared to provide 100,000 hectares of highly fertile farmland to Indonesian investors.
This move is intended not only to strengthen trade ties between the two nations but also to position Sudan as a primary gateway for the Indonesian business community to enter the wider African market.
In a statement delivered on Thursday, Ambassador Yassir Mohamed Ali indicated that growing global geopolitical tensions and economic fragmentation have made it essential to forge closer bilateral economic cooperation.
He noted that Sudan has a high interest in establishing long-term partnerships with Indonesia, particularly in the halal industry, agriculture, food security, infrastructure, and energy sectors. This collaboration is seen as a significant opportunity for Indonesia to expand its economic influence from Southeast Asia into Africa.
According to the Ambassador, Sudan can serve as a strategic entry point to an African market of over 1.4 billion people, approximately 60% of whom are Muslim. Specifically, Sudan offers favorable conditions for Indonesian products to reach markets more easily by leveraging regional trade blocs with lower tariff barriers. Highlighting Sudan’s more than 80 million hectares of arable land, abundant water resources, and fertile soil suitable for large-scale production, the Ambassador invited Indonesia to invest in halal, organic, and other agricultural outputs.
Soybeans, peanuts, sugar, palm oil, and food processing industries were identified as priority sectors for cooperation. This invitation is believed to complement the ambitious goals of Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto to ensure food security and self-sufficiency in his country. Sudan is viewed as a key partner in stabilizing Indonesia’s food supply chain and resilience.
Beyond the agricultural sector, Sudan has invited Indonesia to play a leading role in post-war reconstruction projects. There is particular interest in the participation of Indonesian firms in infrastructure development, oil and gas, renewable energy, and solar power. Ambassador Yassir stated that at a time when the Global South is seeking alternative economic partnerships, Africa and Asia must move forward together quickly.
This planned economic cooperation will elevate the historical relationship between the two nations to a higher level, opening new doors for Indonesian investors looking to utilize Sudan’s potential in agriculture and industry. It is expected that the two countries will soon reach detailed implementation agreements through joint business councils and technical committees
