Regardless of Sudan’s political and economic climate, Sudan is seeing a growing drive for entrepreneurship. Aspiring entrepreneurs have many platforms to approach that can help them turn their ideas into real businesses.
This year, new initiatives joined Sudan’s world of entrepreneurship and startups, which includes pioneers, Impact Hub and Sudan Startup Hub. In November 2018, Orange Corners Sudan, an initiative aimed at supporting young entrepreneurs and changing the entrepreneurial climate in Sudan, was established. The opening of Orange Corners Sudan comes only months after the establishment of 249 Startups earlier this year. 249 Startups is a platform that is dedicated to educating and providing a supportive environment for entrepreneurs in Sudan to thrive. And with events such as the annual Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW) Sudan, which was held recently in November 2018, entrepreneurs, innovators and job creators are celebrated and supported in bringing their ideas to life.
Orange Corners is a pan-African movement established in the Netherlands. Their ethos are to inspire and support upcoming entrepreneurs in Africa with hopes of sparking innovation and reducing unemployment. Orange Corners collaborates with companies, institutions, governments and investors to integrate their far-reaching expertise into holistic training sessions and networking events that nurture entrepreneurial skills for young Africans.
Orange Corners has branches all over the African region from Mozambique, South Africa, Angola, Morocco and just recently, Sudan. In the past, they have partnered with global companies like Philips, Shell and Heineken.
Orange Corners Sudan was launched on 18 November 2018 in a grand event at the Friendship Hall, in the presence of the Ambassador of Netherland to Sudan and seven other country ambassadors.
During the launch, 500 Words Magazine spoke to Orange Corners Sudan to find out more about the new initiative and what it aims to accomplish in Sudan.
Tell us about Orange Corners Sudan and what inspired it?
Our aim is to empower local initiatives. We choose to coexist in a corner of an established space and from there, broadcast knowledge, tools and techniques that we already possess. In Sudan, Orange corners programme will be held at 249 Startups spaces.
After recognising the vast amount of entrepreneurial potential in Africa that was long unsupported, Orange Corners Sudan and its local partner 249 Startups aim to provide Sudanese startups with expert training and mentoring along with access to networks and supply chains.
What led you to choose 249 Startups as your partner?
249 Startups has a great presence and contribution to entrepreneurship in Sudan. They are empowered by a strong network and comprehensive experience in incubation programmes, development and implementation. Most importantly, 249 Startups is a Sudan-based partner.
We aim to play a dominant role in establishing a competitive and innovative business environment in Sudan, developing youth abilities as well as to strengthen trade relations with the Netherlands. This can only be possible with partners that can support us. We are hoping to build connections with Sudanese and Dutch partners in the future.
What type of training, workshops or seminars have you held in Sudan? Are they public or do you have to join OC?
Currently, Orange Corners Sudan supports 40 entrepreneurs per year in Khartoum. Our goal is to support the creation of sustainable jobs by providing our selected entrepreneurs with access to collaborative workplaces, intensive training, business development support, networks and supply chains. Orange Corners Sudan will take the programme to the next level by connecting entrepreneurs to potential funders and providing world-class mentorship by executive partners from the private sector.
In each Orange Corners incubation programme, 20 young entrepreneurs are given the chance to participate in a six-month workshop, receive mentorship and guidance, and of course have access to a physical workspace at 249 Startups. By providing all the right tools, we hope to stimulate entrepreneurs to develop their businesses to their full potential.
We take existing knowledge into practice and endeavour to find out what our entrepreneurs need to become more successful. To join an Orange Corners programme, Sudanese youth need to apply through orangecorners.com.sd
Will there be any events or services on offer to the public or non-incubators?
Considering we are not only committed to our participants, but also committed to creating an impact on Sudan’s entrepreneurial environment; the answer is yes. There will be many public events such as masterclasses and networking events. Universities will also run programmes conducted by Ambassadors to Orange Corners Sudan.
Tell us more about your incubation programme and what it entails?
The incubation programme is six months long, and fully designed and tailored to meet the needs of the carefully selected startups, to build successful and sustainable businesses.
By offering aspiring entrepreneurs and startups the necessary guidance and tools, we hope to increase business potential and growth. We believe the future is in their hands. They are a source of innovative solution to local dilemmas and employment for African youth worldwide.
Applications for the first incubation programme are now open. If you have what it takes to become the next successful entrepreneur; then this is where you need to be. All you need to do is visit our website and fill the application form.
For more information, visit the Orange Corners Sudan website, Facebook or Twitter.
Launched in 2018, 249 Startups is a platform that is dedicated to educating and providing a supportive environment for entrepreneurs to thrive. 249 Startups allows access to community and collaborative spaces that promotes innovation in Al Manshia, Khartoum.
249 Startups has a wide network both local and global. They are partners with the Embassy of Netherlands, and Orange Corners, in advancing their incubation programme. They also aim to increase exposure of the Sudanese ecosystem to various opportunities available.
249 Startups carries out a series of events, workshops and specialised programmes for Sudanese entrepreneurs and startups – supporting developing startups from the early stage to the seed stage, helping them find customers, providing them with specialised training or access to potential funds. Anyone can join these programmes through their website or social media pages.
One programme that sets a good example to young entrepreneurs is Haggar Ventures Acceleration programme. The programme is a three-month acceleration programme for the top 10 selected startups who spend the duration undergoing intensive training and mentorship to enhance their businesses and pitch their ideas to Haggar Group.
For mor information, visit the 249 Startups website, Facebook or Twitter.
GEW Sudan was held from 16 to 19 November, 2018 with around 700 attendees, including participants, students, entrepreneurs, business men and the Ambassadors of USA, Italy and Spain in Sudan.
Run by the Global Entrepreneurship Network (GEN), GEW is held in November every year in 160 different countries, as a collaboration between 15,000 partner organisations. Their goal is to bring together innovators, investors and established organisations in the hopes of turning ideas into real businesses.
GEW Sudan 2018, began their tour of 12 Sudanese states, starting from 16 to 19 November. During the event, individuals interested in developing their entrepreneurial potential were immersed in a wide range of activities to celebrate, connect and support current and upcoming entrepreneurs to fuel economic growth. Showcasing local and global innovation, providing educational seminars and opportunities for funding from investors, GEW was the destination for like-minded individuals to come together and share their ideas.
For more information, visit the GEW Sudan website, Facebook or Twitter.
Born and raised in the Middle East, Shahd Ismail is a 23-year-old working at Qatar University. She recently received a Master of Engineering (MEng) degree in Civil and Environmental Engineering from Imperial College London, Class of 2018. In her spare time, Shahd enjoys giving back to the community, whether participating as a community volunteer with Reach Out to Asia (ROTA) or organising fundraisers for cancer research. She’s drawn to reading non-fiction, travelling the world and ticking off activities off of her bucket list. Her values are founded on the unconditional and generous upbringing her parents gave her and her boundless love for her country. Her dream is to start making a difference in Sudan today and to return to her motherland sometime in the future.
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