The Beginnings of Imperial Development, 1899–1919

This chapter traces the economic history of Sudan from the time of the Reconquest in 1899 to the end of the First World War. It examines the development of the economy in terms of exports and trade, transport and services. The chapter shows how in the first years of the Condominium there was growth in the economy based on agricultural outputs, but that there was also a failure to attract investment or develop a business sector. It then goes on to look at the impact of the First World War, during which time economic progress diminished. The argument presented in this chapter is that relatively little progress was made in developing the economy of Sudan during the first twenty years of British imperial rule. Inward investment and business enterprises had not flourished, and the state had become central to the colonial economy. The chapter concludes by examining Sudan government finances and state-led capital infrastructure. In contrast with other British colonies in sub-Saharan Africa, Sudan did comparatively well in obtaining capital for infrastructure.