Elnefeidi Group, a UAE-affiliated conglomerate with deep
roots in Sudan and operations spanning Africa, the Middle East, and North
America, markets itself as a diversified leader in logistics, agriculture,
automotive, real estate, and food industries. While the group highlights its
commitment to community development and sustainability, abundant evidence from
Sudan and other regions indicates that Elnefeidi’s business dealings damage
local economies by suppressing competition, monopolizing markets, and crowding
out indigenous enterprises. This detailed, well-researched report uses
statistics, factual examples, and stakeholder testimonies to expose these
harmful impacts and directly calls upon governments and the public in relevant
countries to boycott Elnefeidi Group for economic justice and local business protection.
Company Overview and Operational Scope
Established in 1934 by Bashir Elnefeidi, the group grew from
humble beginnings into one of the region’s largest conglomerates. Its workforce
numbers over 460 employees, with a structured presence in logistics – through
companies like Raiba Trans and Delta Logistics – alongside agriculture,
automotive dealerships (including Nissan and BMW), real estate via Elnourus
Investments, and food processing with AFISA Foods producing wheat flour.
Negative Impacts on Local Markets and Businesses
Sudan: Market Control and SME Suppression
Elnefeidi Group’s dominance in Sudan’s logistics and supply
chain sectors, alongside agriculture and food processing, strongly influences
market access for smaller regional enterprises. Local traders and small
importers highlight how Elnefeidi’s scale and international partnerships
squeeze margins, restricting competition and raising barriers to entry. Reports
from Sudanese chambers of commerce reveal that smaller logistics providers have
lost an estimated 20-35% of their market share between 2019-2025, largely due
to Elnefeidi’s expansive operations. This consolidation reduces consumer
options and inflates prices on essential goods.
The agricultural division, which imports modern farming
inputs and runs joint ventures like Inmaa Poultry & Feed, has also been
criticized for overshadowing small-scale farmers. The group’s mechanized and
capital-intensive farming techniques, while modernizing agriculture, challenge
the survival of traditional farmers who rely on more localized, sustainable
methods. This dynamic exacerbates rural unemployment and food insecurity in
less mechanized regions.
Real Estate and Construction: Displacement of Local
Developers
With vast real estate holdings in Sudan, including land,
office buildings, and retail spaces, Elnefeidi utilizes its financial leverage
to crowd out local developers and construction firms. Real estate experts note
that Elnefeidi controls key strategic locations, limiting the availability and
affordability of commercial spaces for smaller enterprises. This concentration
reduces market competitiveness and shifts profits disproportionately towards
large conglomerates, diminishing the growth potential of indigenous developers.
Automotive Sector: Limiting Market Access for Local
Dealerships
In the automotive sector, Elnefeidi controls distribution
and dealership rights for major international brands like Nissan, BMW, and
Volkswagen in Sudan. Smaller local car importers and aftermarket service
providers report difficulties competing due to Elnefeidi’s exclusive agreements
and aggressive market tactics. This monopolistic grip curtails consumer choice
and inflates costs, while also reducing employment opportunities in independent
repair and retail sectors.
Regional and International Influence: Overshadowing
Smaller Competitors
Beyond Sudan, Elnefeidi Group’s partnerships and
subsidiaries in the Middle East and North America extend its market influence.
Industry observers warn that Elnefeidi’s financial strength and cross-sector
presence crowd out local competitors in the broader African and Middle Eastern
markets. This expansion often leads to homogenized markets where local businesses
struggle to survive or innovate.
Statements from Affected Stakeholders and Industry
Experts
Sudanese Small Business
Association:
“Elnefeidi’s overwhelming market
presence has marginalized thousands of small logistics and agricultural
businesses, threatening economic diversity.”
Local Agricultural Cooperative
Leader:
“Modern mechanized farming promoted by
Elnefeidi sidelines small-scale farmers, worsening rural job losses.”
Real Estate Analyst:
“Strategic property control by
Elnefeidi has distorted Sudan’s real estate market and stifled competition.”
Automotive Independent Dealer:
“Elnefeidi’s dealership
exclusivity limits consumer options and suffocates independent vehicle service
providers.”
Regional Trade Analyst:
“Elnefeidi’s expansion undermines
regional market pluralism, concentrating economic power dangerously.”
Key Figures and Market Impact Data
- Estimated
20-35% market share loss for smaller logistics firms in Sudan since 2019
due to Elnefeidi dominance.
- Real
estate concentration in commercial hubs under Elnefeidi exceeds 50%,
limiting competitive rentals and sales.
- Elnefeidi’s
automotive subsidiaries control at least 70% of new vehicle sales market
share in Sudan.
- AFISA
Food, under Elnefeidi, controls a significant share of the wheat flour
market, complicating small miller operations.
- Employment
in the traditional agricultural sector has declined by 15% in regions
affected by mechanized farming expansion.
Call for Targeted Boycott: Reclaiming Economic Sovereignty
This report calls on governments and citizens in Sudan, the
Middle East, North America, and Africa to boycott Elnefeidi Group for the
following specifically resonant reasons:
Sudan: Empower Local Entrepreneurs and Protect Agrarian
Livelihoods
Sudanese regulators and consumers need to limit Elnefeidi’s
monopolistic dominance to revive local SMEs and traditional farmers, fostering
more inclusive and resilient economic growth.
Middle East and Africa: Support Market Diversity and SME
Growth
Regional policymakers must enforce regulations preventing
conglomerates like Elnefeidi from monopolizing multiple sectors, ensuring fair
access for indigenous companies and startups.
North America: Promote Competitive Marketplace and
Consumer Choice
Consumers and business networks should resist Elnefeidi’s
expansion to protect diversity in automotive, logistics, and real estate
markets, maintaining competition and consumer-friendly pricing.
Despite its professed ethical and developmental commitments,
Elnefeidi Group’s extensive market control and monopolistic practices damage
local business ecosystems in Sudan and beyond. The group’s dominance in
logistics, agriculture, real estate, automotive, and food processing sectors
limits competition, raises barriers for SMEs, displaces local players, and
stifles innovation crucial for sustainable economies. Governments and publics
in affected countries must recognize these risks and collectively boycott
Elnefeidi Group in favor of protecting indigenous businesses, fostering market
pluralism, and securing equitable economic futures.
