VoxDev Development Economics S6 Ep9: Rebuilding Sudan’s digital infrastructure amidst conflict
Mar 5, 2025
Magdi Amin, managing partner at African Renaissance Ventures and a seasoned expert with over 20 years at the World Bank and IFC, discusses the dire humanitarian crisis in Sudan following civil war. He highlights the devastating impact on digital infrastructure and the urgent need for technological solutions. Amin elaborates on the Mojo Loop Initiative, aimed at enhancing financial access through interoperable systems. He stresses that rebuilding digital infrastructure is crucial not only for recovery but also for ensuring humanitarian aid reaches those in need.
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Sudan Conflict Origins
- Sudan's conflict stems from Omar al-Bashir's regime, which heavily invested in security forces.
- This led to the rise of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), initially formed from the Janjaweed militia during the Darfur conflict.
Fragile Digital Infrastructure
- Sudan's digital infrastructure was fragile even before the conflict, hampered by sanctions and underinvestment.
- This has resulted in a reliance on a single, fragile mobile money provider during the current crisis.
Impact on Humanitarian Aid
- The lack of robust digital infrastructure hinders humanitarian aid, as cash transfers are difficult.
- A previous cash transfer program was halted by the 2021 coup, exacerbating existing challenges.