Kenyan and East African Investors flocking to S.SUDAN

NAIROBI, KENYA - Kenyan investors have started moving to Sudan in large number following the signing of the historic Comprehensive Peace Accord (CPA) between Northern and Southern Sudan in 2005.

According to a number of Kenyans who have put up investments in Sudan the business climate is healthy. The Kenyans have since been joined by other investors from Africa, especially Uganda.

Most traders narrate tales of success in a land they describe as one full of hope and light and with friendly countrymen and women. A leading Kenyan business executive who has invested in Sudan and who sought anonymity said Sudan's economy has continued to flourish.

"Many more investors from Kenya and other countries have shown interest in moving to Sudan. There are numerous opportunities there that investors can take advantage of. They range from tourism, fishing, farming, telecommunications, transport, aviation, mining, health and education," he explained.

In view of the en masse flocking of Kenyan investors and others from Africa to Sudan, the Sudanese ambassador to Kenya, Majok Guandong has assured them of adequate security, stating that the investment atmosphere is sound. Guandong recently told reporters that the business situation in Sudan was picking up, and the country's great potential had been realized.

The envoy urged private companies from Kenya, and other foreign country's to move to Sudan in order to generate employment and build infrastructure.

Guandong asserted that the Sudanese Government was giving priority to peace in Darfur, adding that the political crisis in the region should not pose an impediment to investors from Kenya and other countries.

"The UN and AU special envoys have been mandated to initiate contacts with the militia groups in Darfur to achieve a peaceful resolution to the conflict in the region," said Guandong

He said the Merowe hydro-electric power dam estimated to cost US$ 2 billion and whose construction will be completed this year, is expected to accelerate economic development and create employment opportunities since other projects attached to it such as new townsand industry.

(East African Business Week)