Tangerang. Sudan is seeking a strategic partnership with Indonesia by positioning itself as a gateway to Africa’s growing halal economy, offering access to vast agricultural resources and regional markets across the continent.

Sudanese Ambassador to Indonesia Yassir Mohamed Ali said on Thursday that closer bilateral economic cooperation has become increasingly important amid global geopolitical tensions and economic fragmentation.

He said Sudan sees significant opportunities for long-term cooperation with Indonesia, particularly in halal industries, agriculture, food security, infrastructure, and energy.

According to Yassir, Sudan could serve as a strategic gateway for Indonesian businesses seeking access to African markets through regional trade blocs with lower tariff barriers across multiple countries.

“The biggest opportunities are in Africa. With a population of more than 1.4 billion, and perhaps 60% of the population being Muslim, the halal market offers enormous potential,” Yassir said in an interview after participating in the Jakarta Globe Corner talk show in Pantai Indah Kapuk 2, Tangerang.

The ambassador also highlighted Sudan’s agricultural capacity, saying the country possesses more than 80 million hectares of arable land, abundant water resources, and fertile soil suitable for large-scale food production.

He said Sudan is ready to support Indonesian investment in agriculture and agribusiness, including halal, organic, and non-genetically modified food production.

“For example, we are ready to provide Indonesia with 100,000 hectares of very fertile land,” Yassir said.

Potential areas for cooperation include soybeans, peanuts, sugar, palm oil, agro-industry, and food processing, he added.

Yassir also linked the partnership to Indonesia’s broader food security ambitions under President Prabowo Subianto, saying Sudan could complement Indonesia’s efforts to strengthen food self-sufficiency and supply resilience.

Beyond agriculture, Sudan is also inviting Indonesian companies to participate in post-war reconstruction projects, particularly in infrastructure, oil and gas, renewable energy, and solar development.

The ambassador said Indonesia could play a larger role in Africa as countries across the Global South seek alternative economic partnerships amid rising global uncertainty.

“We need to come closer. Africa and Asia have to move forward together, and quickly,” he said.