Displaced by conflict and facing a collapsing economy, young Sudanese are increasingly turning to entrepreneurship, art, and small businesses as a means of survival and livelihood reconstruction.

The ongoing civil war, which began in April 2023, has uprooted hundreds of thousands and crippled Sudan's formal job market, leaving many, particularly young people, without employment opportunities.

Yousra Hussein, who fled her home in Nyala, exemplifies this trend. After her initial empowerment initiative, 'Golden Women,' was disrupted by the war, she restarted it in a new city, offering services like nail care from home to support her family. However, she notes significant challenges, including limited access to skills training, institutional support, and difficulties with bank guarantees, complex registration, and taxes.

Hussein's experience highlights a broader crisis. A 2024 report indicated that 31 percent of surveyed urban households had been displaced, with a significant portion reporting no employment. This widespread joblessness forces many to seek alternative income streams.

The war between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces has devastated infrastructure and economic activity across the country. As fighting spread to new areas, individuals like Hussein have been forced to relocate multiple times, starting their livelihoods from scratch repeatedly.

Despite the immense obstacles, young Sudanese are demonstrating resilience. The 'Golden Women' initiative, for instance, aims to equip women with the marketing and entrepreneurship skills needed to establish their own ventures, providing a crucial lifeline in a country grappling with economic devastation.

This entrepreneurial spirit is not limited to service-based businesses. Many are leveraging artistic talents and creating small-scale enterprises, seeking to generate income and contribute to rebuilding their communities, even as formal support structures remain largely inaccessible.

Unresolved questions remain regarding the long-term sustainability of these micro-enterprises and the potential for broader economic recovery without significant external aid and a cessation of hostilities. The resilience of Sudan's youth, however, offers a glimmer of hope amidst the widespread destruction.