Sudan: Major livestock exports to Saudi Arabia

The Sudanese government plans to export 1.8 million head of livestock to Saudi Arabia, according to the Sudanese news agency.

The director of quarries in El Khoi, West Kordofan, said that Sudan was able to export 300,000 sheep to Saudi Arabia from January to April 2016.

“The export of sheep continues according to the scheduled plan to deliver another 1.8 million head of cattle,” Adam Ahmed Younis told Sudan’s press agency Suna on Monday.

In January, the Minister of Livestock announced that a company from the United Arab Emirates made an investment study aimed at increasing the export of live cattle to 600,000 animals a year. The company attempts to benefit from the 150 million cattle Sudan owns.

According to the World Bank, agriculture and livestock are essential to Sudan’s economic diversification (away from oil). While these sectors presently contribute approximately 35-40 percent of the country’s gross domestic product, they could contribute significantly more with greater investment and better governance. Sudan has recognised this need in a five-year programme for economic reforms, approved by parliament in December 2014.

Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia has also invested in Sudan’s large hydroelectric energy projects, including dams in Kajbar, Dal, El Shireik, Upper Atbara, and Setit. The proposed construction is widely rejected by residents of towns along the Nile, in fear of displacement.

Sudanese-Saudi relations improved significantly after Sudan joined the Saudi-led military coalition against Houthi rebels in Yemen in 2015, following year-long tension as a result of Sudan’s bonds with Iran. Sudan’s involvement in Yemen showed a shift of allegiances toward the Gulf Arab countries instead of Iran, which could bring economic rewards. According to Khartoum, the economic assistance is not linked to its military support.

Related:

Sudan follows Saudis, cuts ties with Iran (4 January 2106)