While most African countries have seen a strong post-pandemic rebound in construction and VT demand, Sudan’s market has collapsed under the weight of civil war.
Since April 2023, fighting between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has devastated infrastructure, especially in Khartoum. Once home to soaring commercial towers, the capital now lies in ruins, with landmark buildings bombed and urban warfare ongoing. Over 420 buildings, including hospitals, homes, and critical infrastructure, have been destroyed, according to the Norwegian Refugee Council.
The conflict has stalled or cancelled numerous construction projects, crippling Sudan’s commercial, residential, and industrial real estate markets. Key VT-supporting structures—such as government buildings and commercial assets—have been severely damaged, cutting demand for elevators and escalators. Among the casualties are the National Telecommunication Corp. (NTC) tower, Sudan’s tallest at 427 ft, and the 18-story Greater Nile Petroleum Operating Co. (GNPOC) tower.
Airports have also been hit hard. Sudan had been developing a new Khartoum International Airport, 24.8 miles outside the city, to accommodate 6.3 million residents and future VT installations. The project included plans for terminals, a hotel, a business center, and a mall—all requiring elevators and escalators.
Before the war, optimism was rising. The lifting of U.S.-led economic sanctions in 2017 had revived investor interest, with hopes of real estate growth fueled by Sudan’s strategic geography. A report by Housing Finance Africa highlighted Khartoum’s potential, while the African Development Bank warned that continued conflict was destroying roads, bridges, telecoms, and institutions, paralyzing trade and essential services.
International VT companies—such as Schindler, Otis, KONE, TK Elevator, Fujitec, Hyundai, and Mitsubishi—had begun entering the Sudanese market. Their return now hinges on a resolution to the war, which has reversed nearly a decade of cautious progress.
Source: Elevator World, et. al.
Post time: Aug-01-2025