A few days ago I visited a Sudanese tea company.
Not any Sudanese tea company, actually. But arguably THE Sudanese tea company: Cofftea. They produced most of the well known brands here (not least Algazaltain) and account for the Majority of the Market
Like a number of other Sudanese companies I have visited they are an impressive outfit. They have recently moved to modern purpose-built premises in Khartoum North. They are repatriating to Sudan (from Kenya) the core blending process, to ensure they keep tight control of quality. They have invested in top of the range machinery, some of which comes from the UK. They provide jobs for several hundred staff for whom they provide training and opportunities for development. They have committed, capable and extremely hospitable owner-managers.
They import a commodity (tea), process (blend) it, and sell it on the local market. So sourcing foreign currency is a big issue. Finding foreign banks that will process financial transactions for Sudanese companies is increasingly difficult. But many Sudanese companies are struggling in the current economic environment. Many of the staff companies train up leave for opportunities overseas where economic conditions are better.
No country could survive indefinitely this combination of foreign currency shortage, isolation from the international banking system and the brain drain of its best and most skilled workforce. It is ordinary Sudanese who are suffering most. And it will only change when the political environment in Sudan changes.
That is why National Dialogue is so important. A successful National Dialogue that is genuinely inclusive and addresses the issues President Bashir set out when he launched the Dialogue would not only transform Sudan. It would liberate its economy and reset its relationships with the international community.
That is why the UK will continue to support a National Dialogue that is inclusive and comprehensive, why we encourage all those with a role to play to participate, and why we will continue to speak out (as we have done recently) against actions that look likely to derail it.
We hope that will enable all Sudanese to look forward to a brighter future, and to continue to enjoy their tea…