Sudan – a land of high potential but low productivity
Michel Sweeney, Senior Resercher, Farrelly & Mitchell, explores how investment in Sudan’s agricultural sector offers the potential for lucrative returns. However, due consideration should be given to the fact that it is a high-risk country for businesses.
Key Takeaways
Having undergone a decade of oil fueled expansion, the economy suffered a significant shock in 2011.
Despite declining at a CAGC of 45% in the period 2011-2014, fuels and mining products still account for 56% of the value of merchandise exports. Agriculture products and manufactures account for 38% and 6% of exports
Recognition of agriculture’s increasing importance in the economy: The government has targeted agriculture, mining and enhanced oil production as sectors for development
Sudan’s economy is highly dependent on agriculture, which contributes 29% of its GDP
FAO estimates Sudan produced 18 million tonnes of crops in 2014:Sorghum and sugar cane dominate, accounting for 67% of production
Investment in Sudan’s agricultural sector offers the potential for lucrative returns. However, due consideration should be given to the fact that it is a high-risk country for businesses

Michael is a senior agri-food economist with Farrelly & Mitchell and has consulted on numerous assignments across Europe, Middle East, Africa and globally.
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Sudan – a land of high potential but low productivity
Michel Sweeney, Senior Resercher, Farrelly & Mitchell, explores how investment in Sudan’s agricultural sector offers the potential for lucrative returns. However, due consideration should be given to the fact that it is a high-risk country for businesses.

Key Takeaways
Having undergone a decade of oil fueled expansion, the economy suffered a significant shock in 2011.
Despite declining at a CAGC of 45% in the period 2011-2014, fuels and mining products still account for 56% of the value of merchandise exports. Agriculture products and manufactures account for 38% and 6% of exports
Recognition of agriculture’s increasing importance in the economy: The government has targeted agriculture, mining and enhanced oil production as sectors for development
Sudan’s economy is highly dependent on agriculture, which contributes 29% of its GDP
FAO estimates Sudan produced 18 million tonnes of crops in 2014:Sorghum and sugar cane dominate, accounting for 67% of production
Investment in Sudan’s agricultural sector offers the potential for lucrative returns. However, due consideration should be given to the fact that it is a high-risk country for businesses

Michael is a senior agri-food economist with Farrelly & Mitchell and has consulted on numerous assignments across Europe, Middle East, Africa and globally.
Subcribe today
Stay up to date with the latest agribusiness blog, Insights, and more sent straight to your inbox.
Michael Sweeney's featured publications
Government & multilaterals
Sector specific guidance on agrifood projects for government & multilaterals
Government & multilaterals