Amidst the devastating civil war that has destroyed Sudan, claiming countless lives and displacing millions, a remarkable story of resilience and determination is unfolding.

Savannah Innovation Labs, a startup incubator founded by Yousif Yahya in 2018, has defied the odds by resuming operations in the relatively safer eastern provinces of Port Sudan and Kassala.

When the conflict intensified in April 2023, forcing Savannah to evacuate its Khartoum office, the future of the incubator seemed uncertain.

However, Yahya’s unwavering commitment to supporting Sudan’s rapidly growing startup ecosystem led him to relocate to Cairo, Egypt. From there, he worked tirelessly to re-establish Savannah’s presence in eastern Sudan.

Thanks to funding from the European Union and the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation, Savannah’s We-Rise bootcamp has successfully engaged over 300 businesses, with 100 finalists expected to receive grant funding.

The incubator has shifted its focus from equity funding to grants, recognising the unique challenges posed by the current circumstances. By doing so, Savannah aims to maintain momentum in Sudan’s startup ecosystem and provide essential support to aspiring entrepreneurs.

To further strengthen the startup community, Savannah has expanded its network to neighbouring countries, connecting dispersed members of the Sudanese iaspora. This initiative has been crucial in promoting collaboration and maintaining a sense of unity among Sudanese entrepreneurs.

Despite the immense challenges faced by Sudan, Yahya remains optimistic about the country’s potential as a future venture capital market. He believes that the aftermath of the war may create opportunities for a new generation of entrepreneurs and investors to reshape the business landscape.

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The resilience of Sudan’s tech ecosystem is evident, with other incubators like 249Startups also adapting to the crisis and continuing to provide vital support to startups.

Services for Clients and Partners

Their comprehensive services are tailored to meet the unique needs of entrepreneurs, businesses, and development agencies. They offer a wide range of solutions, including:

Business Development: Strategic planning, market research, and growth strategy development.
Marketing: branding, digital marketing, and public relations.
Finance: financial analysis, budgeting, and fundraising.
Talent Development: Recruitment, training, and team building.

Their team of experts has extensive experience in various industries and is dedicated to helping you turn your project ideas into reality. They provide the resources, guidance, and support you need to succeed.

For the Community

Savannah is committed to driving economic growth and development in Sudan. They believe that encouraging innovation, building talent, and connecting Sudanese entrepreneurs with global opportunities is essential for a prosperous future.

Their mission is to become the leading incubator and business consulting firm in Sudan. They invest in the ideas and talents of entrepreneurs and changemakers, supporting them as they grow and scale their businesses. By nurturing the Sudanese entrepreneurship ecosystem, they aim to create a more sustainable and equitable society.

Entrepreneurship Support as a Service: Your Partner in Business Success

Are you an aspiring entrepreneur looking to turn your ideas into reality? Or perhaps you’re a seasoned business owner seeking to take your enterprise to the next level?

Their comprehensive suite of entrepreneurship support services is designed to equip you with the tools, knowledge, and connections you need to succeed. They believe that every entrepreneur deserves the opportunity to pursue their dreams, and they’re committed to helping you achieve your goals.

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Key Services They Offer:

Business Planning: Develop a solid foundation for your business with a well-structured plan that outlines your goals, strategies, and financial projections.
Legal and Financial Guidance: Navigate the complexities of business law and finance with expert advice tailored to your specific needs.
Marketing and Sales Strategies: Reach your target audience and drive sales with effective marketing and sales campaigns.
Training and Education: Gain the knowledge and skills you need to succeed through our workshops, webinars, and online classes.
Networking and Mentorship: Connect with successful business leaders and benefit from their valuable insights and guidance.
Funding and Investment: Access funding opportunities, including venture capital, angel investors, and crowdfunding, from Sudanese and regional sources that understand the local context.
Advisory Services: Receive expert advice on strategic planning, market research, financial analysis, performance improvement, organisational development, start-up consulting, and business model innovation.

Savannah Innovation Labs stands as a testament to the resilient spirit of Sudanese entrepreneurs, demonstrating that even in the face of adversity, innovation and progress can thrive.