The economics behind the conflict
Gold has long been one of Sudan’s most valuable exports, accounting for a significant share of the country’s foreign exchange earnings. Gum arabic, a natural resin harvested from acacia trees, is another strategic resource. Sudan produces around 70 percent of the world’s supply, and the product is used globally in soft drinks, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and confectionery.
According to the UN, both commodities are now being looted and smuggled through informal trade networks, generating revenue for armed groups outside government control. Instead of contributing to economic development, these resources are financing weapons purchases, military recruitment and continued violence.
The situation mirrors what economists have described as the "resource curse". Countries rich in natural resources often experience prolonged instability when valuable commodities become more profitable during conflict than in times of peace. Similar patterns have been seen with conflict diamonds in Sierra Leone, coltan mining in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and oil in parts of Libya.
Why Africa should be paying attention
The consequences extend far beyond Sudan.
The country borders seven African nations, including South Sudan, Chad, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Egypt, Libya and the Central African Republic. Continued instability increases refugee movements, disrupts regional trade and places additional pressure on neighbouring economies already facing their own security and humanitarian challenges.
Sudan also occupies a strategic position along the Red Sea, one of the world’s busiest shipping routes. Any prolonged instability threatens supply chains linking Africa, the Middle East and Europe, while discouraging investment across the Horn of Africa.
For African governments, the crisis is also a reminder that illegal trade in natural resources remains one of the continent’s biggest governance challenges. Weak border controls, informal mining operations and transnational smuggling networks continue to undermine state revenues and fuel organised crime.
Lessons for the continent
The UN’s findings reinforce an important lesson for Africa’s resource-rich economies. Possessing abundant natural resources does not automatically translate into prosperity. Without strong institutions, transparent governance and effective oversight, valuable commodities can become drivers of conflict rather than development.
The African Union’s Agenda 2063 identifies good governance and responsible resource management as essential for sustainable development. Sudan demonstrates why these priorities remain urgent. Resources that should finance schools, hospitals and infrastructure are instead prolonging a devastating war.
This also raises broader questions about international supply chains. Businesses purchasing gold or gum arabic increasingly face pressure to strengthen due diligence and ensure products entering global markets are not linked to conflict financing. Greater traceability and stronger enforcement could reduce opportunities for armed groups to profit from illicit trade.
Looking ahead
Ending Sudan’s conflict will require more than ceasefire negotiations. It will also mean dismantling the financial networks that allow armed groups to sustain military operations. As long as gold and gum arabic continue generating revenue through illicit channels, the incentives to prolong the conflict will remain.
For Africa, the crisis is a reminder that economic security and peace are closely connected. Natural resources should be engines of growth, regional integration and industrial development. When they are captured by conflict economies, the costs extend well beyond national borders, affecting trade, investment and stability across the continent.
Sudan’s war is therefore not only a humanitarian tragedy. It is also a warning about the importance of protecting Africa’s natural wealth from becoming a source of instability rather than shared prosperity.
Written by:
*Sesona Mdlokovana
Associate at BRICS+ Consulting Group
Africa Specialist
**The Views expressed do not necessarily reflect the views of Independent Media or IOL.
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