Insight

• Infinity Media
• 6 Min Read

Sudan Bilionaires: Top 10 Richest Men In Sudan

Sudan’s economy is shaped by its rich reserves of oil, gold, and agricultural products, yet it grapples with political instability, conflict, and economic mismanagement. Amid these challenges, a handful of businessmen have risen to prominence, leveraging industries like telecommunications, agriculture, logistics, and mining to build significant wealth. Their success not only highlights Sudan’s economic potential but also underscores the resilience required to thrive in a volatile environment. This article profiles the top 10 richest men in Sudan, examining their journeys, contributions, and the broader economic context.

1. Mo Ibrahim

Estimated Net Worth: $1.4 billion
Industry: Telecommunications, Philanthropy
Mohammed “Mo” Ibrahim, a Sudanese-British billionaire, tops the list as Sudan’s wealthiest individual. Born on May 3, 1946, in Sudan, Ibrahim earned an electrical engineering degree from Alexandria University and advanced degrees in the UK. His career began at Sudan Telecom, but his global impact came with the founding of Celtel International in 1998. Celtel grew into one of Africa’s leading mobile phone companies, serving millions across 14 countries. In 2005, Ibrahim sold Celtel to Kuwait’s Mobile Telecommunications Company for $3.4 billion, a landmark deal that solidified his fortune. Beyond business, Ibrahim is renowned for his philanthropy through the Mo Ibrahim Foundation, which promotes good governance via the Ibrahim Index of African Governance and leadership awards. His work has transformed telecommunications and inspired governance reforms across Africa.

2. Osama Daoud Abdellatif

Estimated Net Worth: $840 million
Industry: Conglomerate (Agriculture, Food, Logistics)
Osama Daoud Abdellatif chairs DAL Group, Sudan’s largest conglomerate, with operations in agriculture, food and beverage, logistics, and automotive sectors. Founded in 1996, DAL Group evolved from a family-owned engineering and tractor business established in the 1960s. Under Abdellatif’s leadership, it has grown into a powerhouse generating over $1.6 billion annually. DAL Group’s sustainable practices, such as improving food security and nutrition, have made it a cornerstone of Sudan’s economy, employing over 4,000 people across Sudan, Egypt, and Uganda. Abdellatif’s strategic diversification has ensured resilience in a challenging market.

3. Amin El-Nefeidi

Estimated Net Worth: $400 million
Industry: Conglomerate (Logistics, Agriculture, Real Estate)
Amin El-Nefeidi leads the Elnefeidi Group, a family-owned conglomerate with roots in a 1940s soap shop founded by his father, Bashir El-Nefeidi. By the 1970s, the group diversified into livestock, oil, and transportation, with logistics becoming its flagship division. Today, it operates Sudan’s largest inland logistics network, with over 600 trucks and trailers, generating annual revenues exceeding $400 million. The group also has interests in agriculture, automotive, mining, and real estate. El-Nefeidi’s leadership has navigated Sudan’s economic turbulence, maintaining the group’s prominence.

4. Ahmed Abdellatif

Estimated Net Worth: $200 million
Industry: Trading, Agricultural Machinery, Consumer Electronics
As president of CTC Group, Ahmed Abdellatif oversees a leading trading house established in 1956. CTC Group specializes in importing and distributing agricultural and construction machinery, consumer electronics, automobiles, and fertilizers, with annual revenues surpassing $200 million. Representing major global manufacturers, CTC plays a critical role in Sudan’s supply chain, supporting infrastructure and agriculture. Abdellatif’s focus on high-demand sectors has solidified his status as a key economic player.

5. Salih Abdelrahman Yagoub

Estimated Net Worth: $100 million
Industry: Construction, Trading, Retail
Salih Abdelrahman Yagoub chairs Salih Abdelrahman Yagoub Co. (SAY Co.), founded in the 1960s. Starting with agricultural commodities, Yagoub expanded into industrial construction, retail, and services, generating over $100 million annually. His diversified portfolio has enabled SAY Co. to thrive despite Sudan’s economic volatility, making Yagoub a respected figure in the private sector.

6. Mohamed "Hemedti" Hamdan Dagalo

Estimated Net Worth: Unknown (Significant wealth through gold trade)
Industry: Gold Mining, Investment
Mohamed “Hemedti” Hamdan Dagalo, leader of Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF), is a controversial figure whose wealth stems from the gold trade via Al-Junaid, managed by his brother Abdul Rahim. By 2019, Hemedti controlled Darfur’s gold mines, which accounted for 40% of Sudan’s exports in 2017. Al-Junaid’s operations span mining, transport, and investment, with gold exports to Dubai driving its wealth. While his net worth is undisclosed, Hemedti’s financial and political influence is undeniable, though marred by allegations of war crimes and corruption.

7. Malik Agar

Estimated Net Worth: Unknown (Significant wealth through Gum Arabic)
Industry: Agriculture, Politics
Malik Agar, a businessman and former Blue Nile state governor, is the CEO of Gum Arabic Company, a leading exporter of gum arabic, a key ingredient in food and beverages. Agar’s business success has made him one of Sudan’s wealthier individuals, though exact figures are unavailable. His advocacy for development and conflict resolution in Blue Nile state enhances his influence in both economic and political spheres.

8. The Aboela Family Representative

Estimated Net Worth: Unknown (Historically wealthy family)
Industry: Trading, Real Estate
The Aboela family, prominent in the 1980s, remains one of Sudan’s wealthiest families, with interests in trading and real estate. While specific details about current members and wealth are scarce, their diversified investments and historical influence ensure their continued relevance in Sudan’s economy.

9. Abdelrahman al-Bakri

Estimated Net Worth: Unknown (Linked to Al-Junaid)
Industry: Gold Mining, Investment
Abdelrahman al-Bakri, general manager of Al-Junaid, is tied to Hemedti’s gold trading empire. Managing operations, including gold exports to Dubai, Bakri plays a key role in Al-Junaid’s expansion into mining and transport. His personal net worth is undisclosed, but his association with Al-Junaid places him among Sudan’s elite.

10. Bashir El-Nefeidi (Historical Figure)

Estimated Net Worth: Unknown (Historical wealth)
Industry: Conglomerate (Logistics, Agriculture)
Bashir El-Nefeidi, founder of the Elnefeidi Group, is a historical figure whose legacy continues through his son Amin. Starting with a soap shop in the 1940s, Bashir built a conglomerate that laid the foundation for one of Sudan’s largest logistics networks. While his personal wealth is no longer relevant, his family’s enduring success secures this spot.

Summary Table

Economic Impact and Challenges

These individuals have significantly shaped Sudan’s economy, creating jobs, improving infrastructure, and driving innovation. Mo Ibrahim’s Celtel revolutionized telecommunications, while DAL Group and CTC Group bolster food security and supply chains. However, Sudan’s wealth disparity is stark, with most citizens living in poverty. Political instability, corruption, and conflicts, particularly in Darfur, hinder equitable growth. Figures like Hemedti highlight the ethical complexities of wealth tied to controversial activities. Addressing these challenges requires channeling wealth toward sustainable development and inclusive policies.

Conclusion

The top 10 richest men in Sudan exemplify resilience and innovation in a challenging economic landscape. From Mo Ibrahim’s global telecommunications empire to Osama Daoud Abdellatif’s diversified conglomerate, these entrepreneurs have built wealth while contributing to job creation and infrastructure. However, Sudan’s economic potential remains constrained by inequality and instability. As the nation navigates its future, these businessmen could play a pivotal role in fostering sustainable growth, provided their wealth supports broader societal progress.