GENEVA –Sudan discussed plans to develop its telecommunications sector and strengthen digital infrastructure during meetings with international partners on the sidelines of the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) Forum in Geneva, as the government seeks technical and financial support for post-war recovery.
Sudan’s Minister of Digital Transformation and Communications, Ahmed Al Dardiri Ghandoor, met with officials from the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) to discuss implementing Resolution 93, adopted at the World Telecommunication Development Conference (WTDC-25), which supports the rehabilitation and development of Sudan’s telecommunications sector.
According to the ministry, the ITU reaffirmed its readiness to conduct a comprehensive assessment of Sudan’s telecommunications sector, prepare a portfolio of bankable development projects and organize a roundtable with international partners to mobilize technical and financial support.
Ghandoor also held talks with representatives of the African Network Information Centre (AFRINIC) and the Internet Society on expanding internet resources, accelerating the adoption of Internet Protocol version 6 (IPv6), strengthening Internet Exchange Points, enhancing cybersecurity and building technical capacity.
The minister said Sudan’s priorities include rebuilding digital infrastructure, expanding internet connectivity in rural areas, promoting digital inclusion and e-government services, and leveraging Port Sudan’s strategic location and submarine fiber-optic cable links to strengthen the country’s role as a regional internet connectivity hub.
Sudan’s telecommunications sector has suffered significant disruption since the outbreak of the conflict in April 2023, with repeated damage to communications infrastructure and widespread internet outages affecting public services, businesses and humanitarian operations.
The ministry said the meetings form part of Sudan’s efforts to transform its participation in the WSIS Forum into practical partnerships and investment projects that support the recovery of the telecommunications sector and accelerate the country’s digital transformation.
