The private sector is the engine for recovery, economic growth, job creation and poverty alleviation. On average, private sector comprises 60% of a developing country’s gross domestic product (GDP), 90% of jobs and 80% of total international capital flows. 

UNDP Sudan strives to promote private sector development through active participation of Sudanese businesses. More often than not, this means adapting to changing times. In today’s world, hardly an aspect of our lives has not been transformed by digital technology, a notion further exacerbated post COVID-19. UNDP responds to the ever-changing digital landscape, using advancements in technology to deliver impact for our partners and the communities in which we work.

However, accelerated transformations can mean that many are left behind as business practices evolve. To ensure that the private sector can fully take advantage of new opportunities, it is important that they are supported to function in evolving systems and equipped to participate and thrive in a changing world.  

The UN is no exception to evolving dynamics – the SDGs and emerging global issues are reshaping how the UN operates and delivers results. They demand we rethink how we work and partner with others. But what does this mean for business suppliers in Sudan, and particularly those working with UNDP Sudan?

In efforts to ensure adaptability, UNDP held a training targeting at over 120 Sudanese businesses from various sectors including solar and renewable energy solutions, construction and civil works, agricultural equipment, machinery and tools, drugs and medical supplies and others introducing them to best practices and code of conduct and more importantly, bringing them up to speed with our new digital transformation journey by introducing them to our new digital Enterprise Resource Management system (ERP) – Quantum, going live as we write these lines.

While many businesses import products or components, UNDP always wants to contract local businesses, which produce or assemble final products as this contributes to local job creation and business development. “Sudan needs a strong private sector that can contribute to the country’s development and we aim through such workshops to build the capacity of private sector companies with knowledge about international procurement standards, competition, transparency” – said Thair Shraideh, UNDP Sudan Deputy Resident Representative for Operations

We strive to build long-term business relationships with reputable businesses across the globe and especially domestically in Sudan, which will help address some of the country’s most urgent needs and pressing employment problems – fostering transparency and adaptability is key in ensuring that happens in line with the changing environment of today.