In 2021, the World Bank stated that digital technologies can enable economic transformation in Africa and help create more jobs for its people. Africa’s share of global poverty increased from 15% in 1990 to 63% in 2018 and may reach 90% by 2030. Thus, the World Bank’s statement was repeated at the Sixth African Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) Forum in April of this year. It was said that Africa has to invest in human capital development to learn how to produce, sell and use emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and genomics that are transforming every aspect of life. The need for digital transformation would ameliorate many private and public sectors by increasing the efficiency of service delivery to people with low incomes, monitoring living conditions and predicting imminent crises in crowded or remote areas.

The Case for Sudan

In the case of Sudan, technological growth is more important than ever because it is placed at the top of the International Rescue Committee’s (IRC) Emergency Watchlist for 2024. This was following Sudan’s escalating conflict, mass displacement, economic crisis and near collapse of health care services. Currently, a civil war between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which erupted in 2023 but has been ever present since the coup d’état of Omar al-Bashir in 2019, has been driving humanitarian needs as 15.8 million people need humanitarian aid. While war continues to inflict further turmoil on the state, the hope of Sudan’s digital transformation can allow grassroots progression in the face of leadership-level destruction.

Empowering Female Farmers

Poverty is tackled head-on in Sudan’s digital transformation through nuclear technology to help female farmers. Agriculture is the primary source of income and livelihood for up to 80% of the population in Sudan. In a project funded in part through the Peaceful Uses Initiative (PUI), local scientists from the Agricultural Research Cooperation (ARC) were trained and provided technical support by experts. Scientists at Kassala Research Farm used the soil moisture neutron probe technique to measure moisture levels in soil, helping quantify crops’ water needs. They also employed the nitrogen-15 isotopic technique to optimize nitrogen fertilizer applications. These studies informed the water and fertilizer delivery through the drip irrigation system. This technology has enabled the water-scarce nation to continue farming. It can save up to 70% of water, allowing for more extensive agriculture.

Hundreds of women, many refugees or internally displaced, relied on their husbands’ incomes and had limited access to food, leading to malnutrition. However, small-scale farms and home gardens optimized with nuclear technology have enabled them to grow various vegetables, benefiting their families and entire villages. Rashid Sir El Khatim, Coordinator, Talawiet Organization for Development, Sudan, has asserted the project’s success because “If the women are empowered, they can share in the decision-making in the family and the community. It helps to reduce poverty and it makes future planning more effective. When women are empowered, the community is more empowered.”

Mobile Money, Digital Finance and Internet Connectivity

The civil war in Sudan has led to a mass exodus, with people being displaced from their homes, shops and businesses, resulting in widespread looting and loss of possessions. Financial technology (fintech) uses computer programs and other technology to support or enable banking and financial services. In Sudan, this allows people with a mobile phone and internet connection to more safely buy basic groceries, settle bills and receive money from abroad, easing some of the hardships.

When interviewed by The New Humanitarian, Sudanese citizen Hussein stated, “I only realized the value of [fintech] when my money and belongings were stolen right in front of my eyes.” For displaced people, this is a safety measure as much as it guarantees putting food on the table for loved ones. Bank of Khartoum’s Bankak is a smart app that facilitates easier and more secure transactions, savings and access to credit. Applications like this have been pivotal in providing financial services to the unbanked population.

Final Remark

Sudan’s digital transformation offers hope amid conflict, economic instability and humanitarian crises. The country can achieve significant socioeconomic improvements by leveraging fintech and nuclear technology in agriculture. Apps like Bank of Khartoum’s Bankak and digital wallets such as MyCash and RittalPay provide secure financial services to the unbanked, enabling economic activities and resilience. Nuclear technology empowers women farmers, optimizing resources and fostering food security. These targeted interventions highlight the transformative potential of digital technologies for financial resilience and social empowerment. For Sudan, digital transformation is essential for survival and a better future.

– Kathryn Dodd

Kathryn is based in the United Kingdom and focuses on Technology and Solutions for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons