Navigating the Startup Landscape Amidst Conflict in Sudan
Sudan is currently facing unprecedented turmoil, with a civil war that has claimed over 20,000 lives and displaced approximately 7.7 million individuals. In such a challenging environment, stability and security are elusive, making it nearly impossible for businesses to thrive. However, even in the midst of chaos, there are remarkable stories of resilience and innovation, such as that of Savannah Innovation Labs—a startup incubator that has found a way to operate and foster entrepreneurship in this war-torn landscape.
Resilience in Adversity
Yousif Yahya, the founder of Savannah Innovation Labs, experienced the onset of conflict firsthand. When the war broke out, his team was forced to evacuate under threat of violence. Following a harrowing escape to Egypt, Yahya found a brief respite that enabled him to resume his dreams of nurturing the Sudanese startup ecosystem. Operating from Cairo, he leveraged the relative safety of eastern Sudan—particularly in provinces like Port Sudan and Kassala—to relaunch Savannah’s initiatives.
Savannah’s “We-Rise” bootcamp, supported by the European Union and the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation, serves as a lifeline for budding entrepreneurs. By providing essential resources and guidance to over 300 businesses in its first year, the program has become a wellspring of hope for those eager to innovate despite their precarious circumstances. The bootcamp’s pitch competition further incentivizes participation, offering grants ranging from €2,500 to €7,500 to finalists.
Maintaining Momentum in a Crisis
The primary drive behind Yahya’s efforts lies in a steadfast commitment to continuity. He argues that it is crucial to keep the entrepreneurial spirit alive, even in the face of war. Many young Sudanese do not have the means to leave the country, and Yahya believes that if they are not supported now, they may be left without the necessary knowledge and skills to rebuild once the conflict subsides.
Yahya’s outlook is one of cautious optimism. He acknowledges the chaos and brutality of war but insists that it also presents a unique opportunity—a clean slate from which to build a new future. He envisions a vibrant startup ecosystem that not only survives but thrives in the wake of conflict, laying the groundwork for a robust economic recovery.
Cultivating Talent Beyond Borders
One of the most significant challenges in Sudan is the need for a skilled workforce capable of driving technological innovation. Savannah Innovation Labs has recognized this need and is actively expanding its reach beyond Sudan’s borders to countries like Uganda and Kenya. By building networks that connect the dispersed Sudanese startup community, Yahya aims to create a talent pool that will facilitate the country’s tech transformation.
Yahya’s vision for Savannah originated during his studies in international relations in the United States. He understood that nurturing talent is paramount to attracting investments and fostering a sustainable economy. By providing university students with hands-on experience in tech startups, Yahya hopes to inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs who can navigate the complexities of a post-war Sudan.
Embracing Risk as an Opportunity
While many investors shy away from conflict-ridden regions, Yahya sees untapped potential in markets like Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and Ethiopia. He believes that addressing capital gaps in these areas is essential for economic development. The DRC, for example, despite its challenges, is emerging as a startup hub. Yahya argues that those willing to invest in these regions will shape the future of new economies.
His stance is clear: the work that is being done now, despite the turbulence, is critical for redefining what is possible in these markets. As he puts it, “Nobody’s going to come and do this work for us.” He emphasizes the need to engage in conversations about the future—what values the society should uphold and what kinds of businesses will drive growth.
The Future of Sudan’s Startup Ecosystem
While the situation in Sudan remains dire, Yahya maintains a hopeful outlook for the future of its startup ecosystem. Various players, including 249Startups and Impact Hub, are actively working to foster innovation and entrepreneurship. The easing of sanctions in 2017 provided a boost, and Yahya envisions a post-war Sudan that is ripe for venture capital investment.
He anticipates a shift in the business landscape, where traditional family-run enterprises may give way to new generations eager to drive change. These emerging leaders will be instrumental in establishing funds and advisory firms that can support the sectors their families once dominated.
In summary, the story of Savannah Innovation Labs is not just one of survival but of a proactive approach to building a robust entrepreneurial culture in a country ravaged by conflict. By focusing on talent development, fostering connections, and embracing the risks associated with untapped markets, Yousif Yahya and his team exemplify how innovation can flourish even in the most challenging circumstances. The future may be uncertain, but the seeds of change are being sown, promising a brighter tomorrow for Sudan’s startup landscape.