Khartoum Hosts Sudanese-Arab Forum to Advance Partnerships and Rebuild the Transport Sector

Khartoum Hosts Sudanese-Arab Forum to Advance Partnerships and Rebuild the Transport Sector

 

 

 

 

Khartoum – Fath Al-Rahman Suleiman

 

 

 

 

The Sudanese-Arab Smart Transport Forum officially opened on Sunday morning at Al Salam Rotana Hotel in Khartoum, bringing together government officials, Arab institutions, private sector representatives, and transport and infrastructure experts.

 

 

 

 

The three-day forum, running from July 27 to 29, 2026, is held under the theme “Towards a Smart and Sustainable Partnership for Rebuilding Sudan’s Transport Sectors” and is sponsored by Sudan’s Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport.

 

 

 

 

Arab Platform for Reconstruction

 

 

 

 

The forum aims to strengthen cooperation between Sudan and Arab countries in smart transportation, infrastructure, and logistics while supporting the recovery and reconstruction of Sudan’s transport sector. Participants are exchanging expertise, reviewing regional and international best practices, presenting Sudan’s vision for modernizing the sector, and showcasing priority investment projects.

 

 

 

 

The event is organized by the Arab Marketing Organization in cooperation with the General Secretariat of the League of Arab States, the Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport, the Arab Administrative Development Organization, the Arab Organization for Agricultural Development, the Council of Arab Economic Unity, several specialized Arab unions, and MAG Trading and Investment Company.

 

 

 

 

Minister Outlines Strategic Vision

 

 

 

 

Sudan’s Minister of Infrastructure and Transport, Engineer Saif Al-Nasr Al-Tijani, said the ministry is implementing a comprehensive strategy to rebuild the country’s transport sector through infrastructure development and stronger Arab partnerships, contributing to economic growth and enhancing Sudan’s regional and international connectivity.

 

 

 

 

Addressing the opening session, the minister said the government’s plan includes modernizing roads, bridges, railways, seaports, river ports, inland waterways, dry ports, and introducing advanced transport systems to improve efficiency and align the sector with international standards.

 

 

 

 

He noted that work has already resumed on railway rehabilitation projects, including the refurbishment of rolling stock and maintenance workshops, describing rail transport as a national priority for restoring operational capacity.

 

 

 

 

Al-Tijani also stressed that investment in human capital and professional training remains fundamental to the success of the ministry’s modernization agenda.

 

 

 

 

He added that the forum is discussing strategic infrastructure projects, investment opportunities, and initiatives aimed at improving integration among different transport modes to accelerate development and enhance public services across Sudan.

 

 

 

 

Concluding his remarks, the minister said hosting the forum reflects growing confidence in Sudan’s ability to reclaim its strategic role within the Arab transport network, expressing hope that the forum’s recommendations will pave the way for broader cooperation, investment, and reconstruction.

 

 

 

 

Smart Transport as a Development Imperative

 

 

 

 

Participants agreed that rebuilding Sudan’s transport sector is a critical pillar of the country’s recovery and reconstruction process, emphasizing that the transition to intelligent transport systems has become a strategic necessity for achieving sustainable development and improving economic competitiveness.

 

 

 

 

Discussions focused on the future of transportation in Sudan and ways to benefit from successful Arab and international experiences in building modern, technology-driven transport systems.

 

 

 

 

Arab Academy Highlights Regional Cooperation

 

 

 

 

A representative of the Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport described the forum as an important platform for strengthening Arab partnerships, exchanging expertise, and promoting sustainable smart transport solutions.

 

 

 

 

He commended the Government of Sudan, the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport, and the Arab Marketing Organization for organizing the event.

 

 

 

 

The representative noted that modern transport is no longer limited to constructing roads, bridges, ports, and railways. Instead, it has evolved into an integrated system based on scientific planning, digital transformation, and artificial intelligence, enabling stronger links between production centers and markets while reducing trade costs and enhancing economic competitiveness.

 

 

 

 

He reaffirmed the Academy’s commitment to supporting Sudan through technical studies, consultancy services, applied research, and professional capacity-building, announcing plans to organize a specialized workshop on inland water transport in cooperation with the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport.

 

 

 

 

Experts: Technology Alone Is Not Enough

 

 

 

 

Experts from the Academy stressed that successful implementation of intelligent transport systems requires more than advanced technology. It also depends on integrated digital infrastructure, reliable databases, sophisticated control centers, and well-trained professionals capable of managing and analyzing data to support informed decision-making.

 

 

 

 

They explained that intelligent transport systems rely on interconnected technologies, including sensors, communications networks, computer systems, databases, and traffic management centers, emphasizing that the absence of any one component can significantly reduce overall effectiveness.

 

 

 

 

According to the experts, international studies indicate that intelligent transport systems can reduce traffic congestion by between 20 and 30 percent, shorten travel times, improve road safety, lower fuel consumption, reduce carbon emissions, and maximize the efficiency of existing infrastructure.

 

 

 

 

Arab Success Stories and Future Challenges

 

 

 

 

The forum also reviewed successful transport experiences across the Arab world, highlighting achievements in Saudi Arabia’s ports and logistics sector, advanced transport initiatives in the United Arab Emirates and Qatar, and Egypt’s extensive road network development, all of which have contributed to greater transport efficiency and reduced travel times.

 

 

 

 

At the same time, experts pointed to several challenges facing the implementation of intelligent transport systems, including high technology costs, the need to modernize legislation, data protection requirements, and raising public awareness about digital transformation.

 

 

 

 

They concluded that investment in artificial intelligence and digital infrastructure has become a major driver of economic growth worldwide, emphasizing that developing national human capacities remains the cornerstone of successful smart transport projects. They noted that Sudan has a significant opportunity to capitalize on Arab and international expertise to build a modern transport system capable of supporting national reconstruction and sustainable development