Sudan digitizes public services despite infrastructure, security hurdles

Sudan is moving forward with a nationwide digital transformation, introducing new administrative services on an online platform.

The Baladna platform is designed to bring procedures that once required long queues and in-person visits into a single centralized digital system, allowing applications, registrations, and official transactions to be handled online.

In Port Sudan -- a city relatively untouched by the ongoing civil war -- officials say the Baladna platform is already making daily operations more efficient and cutting bureaucratic delays.

But the rollout faces hurdles in a country where infrastructure remains a major challenge.

"The platform works effectively and the progress is seen frequently. Despite all of the technical and logistical challenges, this digitalized approach shall impact the customs work positively by saving time and shorten procedures. It shall also reduce smuggling and making verification of documents easier. That will impact e-commerce and all trade sectors. It shall link customs and tariffs with all economic activities and governmental services," said Majdi Madani, head of Technology at the Sudanese Customs Administration. The Baladna initiative was unveiled in December 2025 as Sudan's national portal for public administration.

Officials describe it as part of a broader effort to digitize government institutions, including plans for a national data center and expanded 4G infrastructure to improve access.

The platform promises quicker services for businesses and citizens, but some users say it needs improvements.

"I'm using the platform now from Port Sudan and can track the progress of a pending transaction. As a businessman, digitizing procedures should have a positive impact by reducing the role of brokers that slowed the old paperwork system. It also brings together the authorities we deal with -- from the central bank to the trade ministry, customs and ports -- on a single platform. Connectivity can be challenging at times, which is understandable in the context of war, but we're hoping for faster and more stable performance," said Basheer Hashim, a businessman.

Technology experts say launching a centralized digital system during an ongoing conflict is ambitious but risky.

"The biggest challenges face such projects are the infrastructure and the stability. Although Sudan now possesses stable networking and alternatives to face the challenges, but at some point, you need a lot of cooperation and coordination to link all institutions together amid the current conditions," said Mohamed Ashraf, an ICT developer.

While digitization can protect records and improve efficiency, there are concerns about cybersecurity and infrastructure resilience.

Whether Baladna can deliver consistent access across Sudan may ultimately depend on how quickly the country can stabilize its communications networks.

Sudan digitizes public services despite infrastructure, security hurdles

China aims to grow its advertising industry by an average of about 10 percent annually through 2030 under a five-year plan announced on Tuesday that calls for digital innovation and closer links with manufacturing, consumer businesses and agriculture.

The plan was issued by the State Administration for Market Regulation and six other government agencies. It calls for greater use of digital technology, stronger creative capabilities and more training, while seeking to help other industries reach customers and build brands.

Advertising revenue reported by public institutions and enterprises above a designated size reached 2.05 trillion yuan (about 307 billion U.S. dollars) in 2025, double the level in 2020, according to the market regulator. China has also established 30 national advertising industry parks and a number of provincial parks.

Hong Qunlian, director of the service industry research office at the National Development and Reform Commission's Institute of Industrial and Technological Economics, said advertising can support businesses well beyond placing commercials.

"When it comes to advertising, people often think of commercials on television or other media. However, advertising services can play a role at every stage of industrial upgrading. Under the plan's 'Advertising Plus' initiative, the industry can offer integrated services ranging from market analysis and brand positioning to creative planning and promotion across media. That helps companies identify demand and use promotion to turn their strengths in product quality and technology into brand value," Hong said.

The plan also calls for continued efforts to promote agricultural products, build rural brands and expand online sales.

"As I see it, one step is to direct more advertising resources to rural areas and use public-service ads to promote local specialty farm products. Another is to connect advertising with e-commerce to expand sales of agricultural products and increase farmers' incomes," Hong said.

China targets 10 pct annual advertising growth through 2030