Review of the contribution and role of the manufacturing sector in the Sudanese economy, Dr. Adil Dafa’Alla

Dr. Adil Dafa’Alla
Airbus Operations Ltd, UK
PURPOSE: To investigate the contribution of the Sudanese manufacturing sector to the Sudanese economy, and assess its role as a driver for achieving sustainable development in Sudan.
DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: This paper reviews and analyses the contribution of the manufacturing sector to the Sudanese economy, based on the comprehensive industrial survey carried out with the assistance of UNIDO and UNDP in 2001. It then goes on to assess the role that this sector can play in improving its contribution to the Sudanese and regional economy and achieving sustainable development. Evidence from global industrial views, international economic reports and experience of other countries in similar situations to Sudan was used to support arguments.
FINDINGS: The Sudanese economy is agriculturally-based. A heavy injection of industrialization into the economy is essential in order to improve the trade balance and help the country out of the poverty zone. This paper argues that building a competitive manufacturing industry as an important element of sustainable development plan for Sudan is a shared responsibility of good governance, quality education and well-guided investment.
ORIGINALITY/VALUE: This paper gives a critical assessment of the role of the manufacturing sector in driving the Sudanese economy, which is seriously lacking in the literature. Additionally, the paper introduces the building of a competitive manufacturing industry in Sudan as an important ingredient to boost the industrial sector as a whole, hence, improve the economy, fight poverty and move toward achieving sustainable development.
KEYWORDS: Sudan, Industry, Manufacturing, Education, National Development Plan, Sustainable Development.