War Shells Disable Factories and Devastate Sudan’s Economy and Health Sectors

The war has caused severe damage to the infrastructure of the Sudanese capital, Khartoum. Buildings of historical value and unique architectural styles have been destroyed and vandalized, while key landmarks and vital facilities have turned into burned-out shells due to the intensifying battles and the use of heavy artillery and airstrikes by both warring parties.

Millions of Sudanese have been shocked by the catastrophic destruction that has befallen Khartoum’s landmarks, which reflect a history spanning more than 200 years. Also affected are electricity and water service stations, public and cultural institutions, universities, schools, banks, hospitals, roads, residential buildings, and the industrial and economic sectors.

So, how do experts in architecture and economics view the reality and future of Khartoum, and the possibility of rebuilding the capital after the war? Is what happened the beginning of a renewal with a modern outlook or the final demise? What are the proposals and plans to rebuild the Sudanese capital to be better than before, and what are the possible economic costs?

Massive Economic Losses

According to official reports, the destruction to the economic sector is estimated between $108.8 billion to $200 billion, while economic analysts put the losses at one trillion dollars.

These losses also include lost revenues and the disruption of exports and other economic activities.

Economic expert Diyaa Hamid told the Mashaweer platform that “the war contributed to the loss of properties through looting or destruction, and many citizens lost their sources of income—whether in private businesses or government jobs—alongside rising inflation rates and the local currency’s devaluation by more than 100 percent.”

He added, “There are direct costs of the war, and a large number of productive regions in Sudan, especially in Darfur and Kordofan, have been excluded from the economic cycle. These areas previously contributed significantly to the national GDP. Additionally, the livestock trade has been disrupted, and exports have come to a halt.”

He continued, “There are also the losses related to foreign investment that once existed in Sudan. These are substantial losses, and it will be difficult for such investments to return even after the war ends.”

Destruction of the Industrial Sector

Losses in the industrial sector, which is largely based in Khartoum State, are estimated at $50 billion. The war destroyed approximately 550 factories in Bahri and Omdurman, displacing more than 250,000 workers, according to official sources.

Economist Malik Bashir told Mashaweer, “The war inflicted tremendous losses on Sudan’s industrial production sector, business owners, foreign investors, and workers due to the complete or partial destruction of factories. There was also looting of equipment, spare parts, raw materials, and other operational tools. There are more than 5,000 facilities across 46 sectors, including food, plastics, leather, chemicals, clothing, and pharmaceuticals.”

He added, “Over 80 percent of Sudan’s factories are located in Khartoum. The destruction disrupted production and destroyed major factories that took years to establish and required huge investments. Around 100,000 jobs have been lost, and hundreds of families were affected, in addition to displacement and refugee movements to other states and neighboring countries such as Egypt, Ethiopia, and Chad.”

He continued, “Around 300 factories and production institutions were either totally or partially destroyed, with equipment and warehouses looted. This has caused significant losses for businesspeople, and 80 percent of daily operations in Khartoum have ceased, affecting the lives of over six million people in the capital’s three cities: Bahri, Omdurman, and Khartoum.”

Collapse of the Health Sector

The health sector also suffered widespread destruction and vandalism. Medical facilities, equipment, ambulances, drug warehouses, and supply chains were looted. Total estimated losses stand at $11 billion, and about 75 percent of pharmaceutical factories in the country have been destroyed.

Sudan’s Minister of Health, Haitham Mohammed Ibrahim, stated, “Large figures have been reported from the states regarding the damage to hospitals and health institutions—ambulances and administrative vehicles were looted, drug stores and cold chains were destroyed, and even furniture and medical equipment were damaged. The overall loss is estimated at $11 billion nationwide. The committee continues to monitor and assess the situation, but a final report has yet to be released, especially since many affected areas remain inaccessible due to ongoing fighting.”

He added, “Out of 540 hospitals under the Ministry of Health, 120 have gone out of service, including some of the most important specialized hospitals such as those for oncology, neurosurgery, and cardiac surgery.”

Challenges of Rebuilding Khartoum

Regarding the reconstruction of Khartoum, engineer and architectural expert Hamdoun Abdelbasit stated that “the scale of destruction to the national capital is immense and almost unimaginable, especially to government buildings, heritage sites, cultural institutions, and, more critically, the infrastructure for electricity and water.”

He added, “The reconstruction of Khartoum must be approached comprehensively—from practical, scientific, and applied perspectives, particularly concerning water and sanitation networks, electricity distribution, and urban planning.”

He continued, “We must build on the lessons learned from other countries and address all the old shortcomings in planning. A scientific system should be used to redesign streets and spaces. This requires the participation of all institutions and companies involved in the reconstruction and planning process—for example, telecom companies, surveying agencies, sanitation institutions, power companies, the Geological Authority, the Ministry of Health, and the Ministry of Environment—so the vision is integrated and collectively agreed upon.”

He concluded, “The selection of companies and institutions that will implement reconstruction and redesign must be based on comprehensive quality standards and reconstruction requirements—without favoritism or nepotism—so that solid regulations can be established and manipulation avoided.”