This multi-component programme aims to enhance economic opportunities for youth and women.

The specific objectives are: i) strengthening the gum Arabic value chain in Blue Nile, Sennar, Gedaref and North Kordofan States; ii) creating a conducive environment for the economic empowerment of the most vulnerable women living in the most vulnerable situations in Khartoum, Kassala, Gedaref and Red Sea States; iii) improve employment conditions for the youth (with an emphasis on women and refugees) in Khartoum State.

In December 2021, this action received a €10 million top-up to contribute to its first specific objective aiming at strengthening the gum Arabic value chain in Blue Nile, Sennar, Gedaref and North Kordofan States.

Main objectives

The overall objective (expected impact) of this action is to enhance economic opportunities for youth and women in Sudan.

The specific objectives (expected outcomes) are the following:

i. The gum Arabic value chain in Blue Nile, Sennar, Gedaref and North Kordofan States is strengthened and women in the value chain are empowered

ii. A conducive environment for the economic empowerment of the most vulnerable women in Khartoum, Kassala, Gedaref and Red Sea States is created and promoted

iii. Employment opportunities for youth (with an emphasis on women and refugees) in Khartoum State is improved

The expected outputs are therefore:

Gum Arabic

 contract farming system introduced and capacities of producers and Gum Arabic Producers Associations’ (GAPAs) strengthened; focus on women

 quality of gum Arabic produced enhanced and organisational and commercial capacity of stakeholders to market gum Arabic improved; focus on women

 sustainability improved through reforestation and rehabilitation of degraded forests and rangelands

Women’s economic empowerment

 Access of young women and men, living in vulnerable situations, to a more inclusive market system enhanced

 Institutions at Federal and State levels strengthened to develop and adopt coordination mechanisms and policies aimed at promoting Gender Equality and Women’s Economic Empowerment.

 Positive social norms and attitudes towards Gender Equality and Women’s Economic Empowerment embraced by families and communities.

Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET)

 offer of employment-oriented qualification programmes based on Labour Market Assessment for young female and male Sudanese in Khartoum State improved offer on employment-oriented services by public and private actors is improved

 conditions for refugees and host communities are improved to develop successfully their enterprises

 access to information on starting a business and employment is improved

 cultural barriers preventing or limiting the participation of women in vocational training and employment across fields, including traditionally male dominated fields, addressed and access to entrepreneurial support services improved for women entrepreneurs

Action Fiche