Resilience in Crisis: How Sudan’s Startup Ecosystem Defies the Odds
In the face of Sudan’s devastating civil war—which has claimed over 20,000 lives and displaced 7.7 million people—one startup incubator is proving that innovation can thrive even in the most challenging circumstances. Savannah Innovation Labs, forced to pause operations when conflict erupted in April 2023, has relaunched in safer eastern regions, offering hope to Sudan’s next generation of entrepreneurs.
A Forced Exodus and Unexpected Opportunity
When Rapid Support Forces (RSF) militia threatened Savannah’s Khartoum office in 2023, founder Yousif Yahya and his team fled to Egypt. What could have been the end became a pivot point. Operating from Cairo—Africa’s thriving startup hub—Savannah reestablished operations in Sudan’s relatively stable eastern provinces of Port Sudan and Kassala.
“The war is chaotic. The war is ugly. But we now have a clean slate,” Yahya told TechCrunch.
Bootstrapping Innovation Amid Conflict
Key initiatives driving Savannah’s impact:
- We-Rise Bootcamp: Funded by EU and Italian development agencies, this program supported 300 early-stage ventures
- Grant Funding: €2,500–€7,500 grants replaced planned equity investments for 100 finalists
- Cross-Border Networks: Expanded operations to Uganda, Kenya, and Egypt to connect displaced Sudanese talent
Building Sudan’s Future Tech Leaders
Founded in 2018, Savannah has become a cornerstone of Sudan’s nascent startup ecosystem:
- Trained thousands through corporate partnerships and university programs
- Nurtured Elevate (formerly Bloom), Sudan’s first Y Combinator-backed startup
- Focused on long-term talent development over quick wins
“The seeds being sown now will take time to grow,” Yahya emphasized. “We’re building the talent pool needed for national transformation.”
High-Risk Markets, High-Potential Rewards
As a partner at Africa Renaissance Partners, Yahya sees opportunity where others see only risk:
- Targeting underserved markets like Tanzania, Ethiopia, and DRC
- Betting on post-war Sudan as a future VC hotspot
- Preparing for economic restructuring when conflict ends
The Road Ahead
While challenges persist—from infrastructure breakdowns to funding constraints—Savannah represents a growing movement of Sudanese innovators determined to rebuild through technology. With allies like 249Startups and Impact Hub Khartoum, they’re laying groundwork for an economic revival that could redefine conflict-affected regions across Africa.
“Nobody’s going to do this work for us,” Yahya stated. “We must create the future we want to see.”
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