The contractors’ associations of Sudan and Turkey have formalized an agreement to launch pilot infrastructure and reconstruction projects. The partnership, announced on Tuesday, marks a critical step in addressing the catastrophic damage inflicted by the civil war that has gripped the African nation since April 2023.
The scale of the devastation in Sudan is unprecedented. According to official estimates from Sudanese authorities, the total cost required to rebuild the nation is staggering, reaching an estimated $1 trillion. From this total, approximately $300 billion is designated for the destruction of infrastructure in the capital city, Khartoum, while the remaining $700 billion is allocated for other states. While the Sudanese government is working to finalize these internal assessments, the United Nations is also conducting its own independent evaluation to determine the precise extent of the damage and the long-term reconstruction requirements.
The agreement was reached during a high-level joint meeting in Ankara, where a Sudanese delegation led by Malik Ali Dongla and accompanied by the Sudanese Ambassador to Turkey, Nader Youssef, met with the Turkish Contractors Association.
The discussions focused on creating a sustainable framework for rehabilitating essential infrastructure. Key areas of cooperation include prioritizing the restoration of energy, transport, and public utilities; capacity building, where Turkish firms have committed to transferring technical know-how and conducting professional development programs to train Sudanese personnel; and implementation oversight, through which a joint committee will be established to ensure that international transparency and quality standards are maintained throughout the reconstruction process.
Given that the Sudanese economy has contracted by over 42% compared to pre-war levels and nearly 60% of the population has lost their source of income, securing funding has become a top priority. Mr. Dongla noted that the partnership aims to leverage the global experience of Turkish construction firms while exploring various financing models.
These include collaborating with international lenders such as the Islamic Development Bank and the African Export-Import Bank, as well as a “reconstruction-for-resources” arrangement, which is a unique scheme that would allow Sudan to cover construction costs by utilizing its vast gold reserves and agricultural products.
Ambassador Nader Youssef emphasized the importance of the agreement, highlighting the Sudanese government’s commitment to creating a stable and favorable environment for foreign investment. The Ambassador stated that “Sudan is working to streamline procedures and provide the necessary guarantees for our Turkish partners.” This partnership is viewed as a vital “launchpad” for broader economic recovery. By focusing on initial pilot projects, the two nations hope to build momentum, restore essential services, and eventually revitalize Sudan’s fractured industrial and economic base. As the country continues to struggle to overcome the consequences of a war that has displaced millions and devastated essential services, this collaboration represents a critical shift from reliance on emergency humanitarian aid to long-term structural recovery.
