Prospects for the aerospace industry in the Sudan

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate the contribution of the Sudanese manufacturing sector to the Sudanese economy and assess the role that aerospace industry, in particular, can play as a driver for achieving sustainable development in the Sudan. Design/methodology/approach – This paper reviewed and analysed the contribution of the industrial sector to the Sudanese economy based on the comprehensive industrial survey carried out with the assistance of United Nations Industrial Development Organisation and United Nations Development Programme in 2001. It then went on to assess the role that aerospace industry can play in improving the contribution of this sector to the Sudanese and regional economy and achieving sustainable development. Evidence from global industrial views, international economic reports and experience of other countries in similar situation as the Sudan was used to support arguments. Findings – The Sudanese economy is agriculturally based. A heavy injection of industrialisation of the economy is essential in order to improve the trade balance and help the country out of the poverty zone. The aerospace industry is an important ingredient of the required dose as the global and regional demand is high and the flourishing regional economy is encouraging. The paper argues that building a flourishing aerospace industry as an important element of sustainable development plan for the Sudan is a shared responsibility of good government, quality education and well-guided investment. Practical implications – The paper is proposing a practical way to transform the character of the Sudanese economy and help it to set on a sustainable development path that will alleviate poverty and improve the standard of living of its citizens. Originality/value – The paper gives critical assessment of the role of the industrial sector in driving the Sudanese economy, which is seriously lacking in the literature. Additionally, the paper introduces building a flourishing aerospace industry in the Sudan as an important ingredient to boost the manufacturing sector, hence, improve the economy, fight poverty and a step towards achieving sustainable development.