The European Union Delegation to Sudan hosted its first meeting in Cairo with representatives of the Sudanese private sector on 25 June 2026, launching a series of dialogues aimed at strengthening ties and involving businesses in post-war reconstruction, development, and state-building. The initiative focuses on the private sector's role in creating jobs for Sudanese youth and attracting European investment.
Yacine Hichem Tekfa, Deputy Head of Delegation and Chargé d'Affaires, told participants that the EU is keen to hear the views of the financial and business sectors regarding the EU's role in Sudan in the coming period. He identified political and security instability, exchange rate volatility, weak infrastructure, bureaucracy, overlapping fees and taxes, lack of information for European investors, and insufficient government commitment to curbing corruption and enhancing transparency as reasons for the flight of European capital.
Tekfa stressed that international and regional efforts are underway to achieve peace and a civilian transition in Sudan, which is key to normalizing relations. He emphasized that the continuation of the war wastes the Sudanese people's resources and that the collapse of Sudan, its state institutions, and its unity is a red line for the EU.
The EU sees a pivotal role for the Sudanese private sector in post-war economic and social development, serving as the primary driver for development, job creation, attracting investment, fostering innovation, improving infrastructure and services, building vital economic partnerships, raising per capita income, and improving quality of life. The involvement of women business owners and young people will be key to success. However, Tekfa noted that Sudan needs peace and a genuine civilian transition to unlock these opportunities.
The meeting marks the beginning of a series of meetings to be held in various capitals, focusing on the private sector's role in reconstruction, development, state-building, strengthening stability, and creating job opportunities for Sudanese youth.