Despite the current political situation, Sudan is looking for foreign direct investment and joint ventures in the leather sector.

According to officials, there is the potential to establish new tanneries in the Khartoum, Gezira and Kordufan states, which could increase production for both local markets and the export market. It is also believed that the country offers investment opportunities for the establishment of modern factories to produce high-quality shoes, bags and leather belts for foreign markets.

According to a recent market survey carried out by the Indian Embassy in Sudan, with over 130 million head of cattle, the country has great animal resources including cattle, goats, camels and sheep, which has led to a flourishing leather industry. The country has a tradition as a hide exporting country and, in recent years, the tanning industry has also emerged as an important industry in Khartoum and Wad Medani.

There are seven modern tanneries in the country with an annual output of approximately 30 million square feet of sheepskin and 28 million square feet of calfskin. There are also 20 conventional tanneries that use traditional methods to produce around eight million square feet of calfskin. According to the market survey, these traditional facilities could be improved, in terms of productivity, through investment.