Sudan exploring collaboration with Russia on energy projects

Russia and Sudan are currently discussing collaboration in the energy sector by establishing joint projects in power generation, oil exploration and production, and fuel supply, the Sudan Tribune reported on November 17. 

Sudanese energy minister Mohi El-Din Mohamed met with Russian counterpart Sergey Tsivilev to discuss such collaboration, expressing mutual interest in strengthening energy ties. Meetings were also held with Russian state-owned energy companies and majority state-owned Gazprom to discuss fuel supply. The talks centred around the supply of petroleum derivatives to Sudan.

The discussions aimed to secure agreements for consistent and reliable petroleum product supplies to Sudan from Russia, which has expressed keen interest in investing in Sudanese oil exploration and production, fuel supply, and developing power infrastructure, the Sudan Tribune writes.

A Sudanese technical delegation presented investment opportunities to Russian companies. The presentation was directed at several Russian companies, including Legacy Capital, which showed interest in investing in Sudan’s oil and gas sector. The delegation said it will continue engaging with Russian companies to pursue agreements in the oil sector. 

The energy minister's visit to Russia concluded with instructions to finalise energy sector deals.

In mid-September, the Sudanese and Russian governments announced plans to boost economic cooperation, particularly in the mining sector as Khartoum vows to benefit from Moscow’s expertise in mining technologies to modernise its extractive industries. The partnership included an agreement to establish a Russian naval supply and maintenance base on Sudan's Red Sea coast, aimed at supporting regional peace and security.

The countries in April agreed to enhance economic relations, including via the implementation of a naval facility for the Russian army on Sudan’s Red Sea coastline in exchange for increased economic and military cooperation. However, steps towards achieving this base have not yet started due to opposition from the public and regional powers. 

In August, central banks from both countries discussed using local currencies for bilateral trade, as well as joint investment projects and establishing banking relations.