About Us

Founded in 1996, SUDIA is a non-profit, non-governmental organisation dedicated to fostering safe, dignified lives in Sudan, in harmony with nature, by addressing the root causes of fragility and insecurity and building community resilience to climate change through dialogue and strengthened civil society.

We also offer expert research, training, and media/communications services to the development and humanitarian community, leveraging our deep contextual knowledge and network of partners throughout Sudan.

Management

SUDIA is managed by an executive committee supported by a team of young, dedicated professionals. Additionally, SUDIA programs and services draw on an experienced and professional pool of associates and partner institutions.   

Funding

SUDIA is funded by membership fees, grants, and donations from individuals, international organizations, and the private sector. Revenue is also generated through services provided to Sudan's humanitarian and development community.

SUDIA staff and executive office members

The Executive Office

  • Abdel-Rahman El-Mahdi profile photo

    Abdel-Rahman El-Mahdi

    CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

    El Mahdi is a seasoned professional with over 25 years of experience in several thematic areas, including Biodiversity Conservation, Climate Change, Peacebuilding, and Civil Society Strengthening. He has held senior positions in various organizations across the Middle East, Europe, and the United States, with extensive experience in Sudan's conflict regions.  El-Mahdi is proficient in strategic planning, project management, and capacity building and is fluent in Arabic and English

  • Dr. Izzeldin Alfaki

    MEMBER

    Dr. Izzeldien Abdelhamed Al Faki is an esteemed expert in Sociology and Social Anthropology, holding a Ph.D. in the field. He is recognized as a distinguished administrator, university professor, and dedicated humanitarian activist. With considerable experience in program design, management, and implementation, Dr. Al Faki has authored numerous scholarly research papers and developed a diverse array of technical and consultancy reports. His contributions have significantly advanced both academic discourse and humanitarian initiatives.

  • Hanan Ali

    TREASURER

    Hanan Ali is a finance professional with significant NGO financial management experience. As Finance Manager at SUDIA, she oversees financial operations, reporting, and compliance. Hanan holds a B.Sc degree in Business Studies (Accounting) and diplomas in accounting and animal production science from Sudan University of Science & Technology. She holds a certified accountant status, and possesses strong computer skills, fluency in Arabic and English, enabling her to manage complex financial tasks effectively.

  • Abdelati Abdelkhair

    DEPUTY CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

    Abdelati, a member of our Executive Office, was born in 1956 in River Nile State. He graduated from the University of Khartoum with a degree in Agriculture (1980) and holds a Master's in Rural Development from Omdurman Islamic University (2001). His extensive experience includes roles in the Ministry of Agriculture, Islamic Relief Agency, Sudanese Council of Voluntary Agencies, Humanitarian Aid Commission, and the Sudanese Campaign to Ban Landmines. He is actively involved in the leadership of numerous other voluntary organizations.

  • Mohamed-El Tayeb El Sadig

    MEMBER

    Mohamed El Tayeb El Sadig is a seasoned business management professional with over 23 years of experience across diverse sectors, including agriculture, transportation, construction, and mining. ​ He has held leadership roles, including Deputy GM and Board Member, in prominent mining companies in Sudan. ​ Mohamed is bilingual (Arabic and English) and skilled in strategic planning, communication, and team leadership. ​ His extensive NGO involvement reflects his commitment to community development, making him a valuable asset to any executive team. ​

  • Nuha Mohamed

    SECRETARY GENERAL

    Nuha Ahmed, Secretary General of the Sudanese Development Initiative (SUDIA), brings over 18 years of expertise in microfinance, social work, and women empowerment. With extensive experience in post-conflict contexts across Sudan, Somalia, and Senegal, she has led capacity-building initiatives for NGOs and grassroots communities. ​ Nuha has worked on projects funded by global organizations like the UNDP, UNICEF, and World Bank. ​ Fluent in Arabic and proficient in English, she is dedicated to improving livelihoods through innovative microfinance solutions and community development. ​

  • Sara Elgemiabi

    MEMBER

    Sara Elgemiabi, a human rights activist with a Master's in Peace and Development, has over 20 years of experience advocating for women, children, and vulnerable communities. Her work focuses on promoting their rights, combating poverty and hate speech, fostering peace and development, and ensuring equal opportunities, particularly in impoverished areas. Leveraging her development communication skills, she has contributed to community security policies and is deeply committed to justice, social development, and sustainable peace in Sudan through her work with SUDIA.

A Journey of Resilience

and Empowerment

SUDIA, initially the Sudanese Development Initiative Abroad, was founded in Cairo, Egypt, in the late 1990s by young Sudanese seeking refuge after the overthrow of Sudan's democratic government. Driven by empathy for fellow displaced Sudanese, SUDIA quickly evolved under the Near East Foundation, building organizational capacity and trust within the Cairo community.

Early achievements included mobilizing resources for cultural preservation, dialogue, and educational initiatives fostering inter-ethnic understanding. SUDIA extended its reach, channeling international support to address critical needs and promote self-reliance for displaced communities across the Horn of Africa, embracing digital tools for wider impact.

Recognizing the complexities of displacement within Sudan, SUDIA prioritized prevention alongside direct aid. Witnessing the devastating effects of conflict and food crises, early collaborations aimed at comprehensive solutions. Learning and adaptation have been key to SUDIA's growth, formalizing its non-profit status in Florida in 1999 to better serve refugees and internally displaced persons.

Making inroads into Sudan in early 2002 and subsequently registering as a Sudanese NGO in 2008, SUDIA has continued to grow and adapt. Today, the organization collaborates with diverse stakeholders on programs promoting democracy, human rights, climate resilience, and peacebuilding, while also offering expert services in research, training, and media/communications. SUDIA’s ongoing journey reflects a steadfast commitment to empowering Sudanese and other vulnerable communities, building resilience, and fostering dignified futures in the face of persistent challenges.

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