Egypt, Sudan ink resource-for-expertise industrial integration pact

In a series of high-level meetings in Cairo between Egypt’s Deputy Prime Minister Kamel El-Wazir and Sudanese Minister of Industry Mohassen Ali Yaqoub, the two nations have committed to a resource-for-expertise model that addresses critical gaps in the regional supply chain.

The partnership targets the vertical integration of the livestock and agricultural sectors. Rather than exporting raw commodities, the strategy focuses on midstream processing within Sudan through the establishment of mechanised slaughterhouses and advanced tanneries.

This shift is supported by an upstream push into essential inputs, with Egypt’s Pharmaceutical and Fertiliser Industry Chambers launching feasibility studies for local veterinary medicine and fertiliser plants.

To ensure operational continuity, Egypt will provide the technical support necessary to rehabilitate Sudanese factories damaged by conflict, effectively restoring vital nodes in the regional production network.

To resolve the logistical bottlenecks that have hampered bilateral trade which reached $1.15 billion in 2024 the plan includes several high-impact infrastructure and regulatory measures.

Funding is being secured for new logistics zones along the shared border, supported by an immediate increase in truck and bus capacity at checkpoints to accelerate throughput.

The two nations will harmonise technical specifications and implement a mutual recognition mechanism for certificates of conformity, eliminating redundant inspections.

Training for Sudanese customs personnel is set to begin in January 2026 to streamline clearance protocols and reduce lead times.

An updated MoU between the respective central banks will enhance governance and anti-money laundering measures, creating a more stable environment for trade financing.

Sustainability and long-term resilience are anchored by a commitment to human capital. Egypt will deploy its Productivity and Vocational Training Authority to standardize Sudanese labor skills, ensuring the workforce can meet international manufacturing benchmarks.

Additionally, Egyptian firms will be granted priority in Sudan’s reconstruction projects, positioning them as primary partners in rebuilding the country’s industrial base.

The Joint Trade and Industry Committee will monitor these through regular sessions, with the next audit of progress scheduled for early 2027 in Khartoum.