Solidarity is the key
Solidarity is the key
Umbaja Economic Forum 2025
October 18th, 2025 | Online
Umbaja Economic Forum 2025
October 18th, 2025 | Online
Theme: Bridging State and Citizen Economies:
Shifting Mindsets and the Imperative for Transformation
Invitation to Participate in Umbaja Economic Forum 2025
This year, 2025, the Umbaja Organization proudly celebrates its tenth anniversary, marking a decade of courage, solidarity, and resilience.
Over the past ten years, Umbaya has championed the spirit of thinking globally and acting locally — a guiding principle that continues to inspire its mission. Guided by this vision, the organisation remains steadfast in its commitment to pioneering new pathways that strengthen the role and impact of civil society organisations in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals with wisdom, inclusivity, and innovation.
To commemorate this milestone, Umbaya has prepared an ambitious and comprehensive program that brings together its diverse communities, esteemed partners, and loyal supporters. Among the key events will be the Umbaja Economic Forum 2025, held as part of the anniversary celebrations.
This year’s forum comes at a time marked by political turbulence, economic uncertainty, and the ongoing struggle for democratic renewal in Sudan and beyond. In this context, the Umbaja Economic Forum 2025 emerges as a vital space for dialogue, vision, and bold thinking.
The theme of this year —
“Bridging State Economies and People’s Economies: Changing Mindsets and the Imperative of Transformation”
— invites activists, economists, policymakers, researchers, and members of the Sudanese diaspora to critically examine the disconnection between state-controlled economic systems and the lived realities of ordinary citizens.
Our forum challenges traditional power structures and calls for a new economic imagination — one that centers on justice, accountability, and grassroots resilience. It also highlights the urgent need to rethink how economic policies are shaped, whom they serve, and how public resources can be mobilized to uplift communities rather than entrench elite privilege.
We are delighted to announce an outstanding lineup of distinguished speakers who will enrich our discussions with their diverse insights and profound perspectives on this central theme.
Among the notable participants are Dr. Bashir Omar Fadlallah and Dr. Ibrahim Elbadawi, both of whom previously served as Ministers of Finance and Economic Planning in Sudan.
The forum will also give special attention to amplifying the voices of community-based initiatives. We will feature two inspiring case studies from grassroots Sudanese communities in Ghana and Uganda, showcasing how these communities are engaging with the challenges and opportunities related to our theme.
We extend an open invitation to members of the Sudanese community worldwide to participate actively in this dialogue — to share ideas, insights, and constructive reflections.
Your valuable contributions will help shape actionable recommendations and support our organisation in transforming these collective visions into tangible realities that benefit the most vulnerable groups.
Program
Date:
Saturday, 18 October 2025
Time:
6:00 p.m. (Central European Time) / 6:00 p.m. (Khartoum Time)
Venue:
Online via Zoom: Meeting ID: 860 9334 1000. - Pass code: 809895
Forum Moderator:
Dr. Hala Burma Omar
Forum Language:
Arabic
Schedule
6:00 p.m. – Opening and Welcome Remarks
6:10 p.m. – Keynote speech, Dr. Bashir Omar Fadlallah
6:20 p.m. – Keynote speech, Dr. Ibrahim Elbadawi
6:30 p.m. – Panel Discussion with:
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Dr. Bashir Omar Fadlallah, Former Minister of Finance and Economic Planning, Sudan
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Dr. Ibrahim Elbadawi, Former Minister of Finance and Economic Planning, Sudan
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Ms. Abigail Darkwah, Young & Lonely Foundation, Ghana
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Mr. Kingsley Otoo, Young & Lonely Foundation, Ghana
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Ms. Alaa Ismail, People to People Organization, Uganda
7:45 p.m. – Open Discussion with Participants + Q&A session and exchange of ideas and perspectives
8:25 p.m. – Closing Remarks and Words of Appreciation
8:30 p.m. – End of Forum
Keynote Speakers
Dr. Bashir Omar Fadlallah
Former Minister of Finance and Economic Planning of Sudan, Dr. Fadlallah also held ministerial roles in Culture & Information and Energy & Mining. He earned a PhD in economics from the University of Manchester and has served as Director of the Development Department at the Islamic Development Bank in Jeddah. His insights bridge institutional reform, public-sector finance, and long‑term regional investment.
Dr. Ibrahim Elbadawi
Served as Sudan’s Minister of Finance and Economic Planning from September 2019 to July 2020 during the transitional government under Prime Minister Hamdok; he brought over two decades of experience from the World Bank and still leads regional economic research as Managing Director of the Economic Research Forum (ERF) Economic Research Forum (ERF). He developed a ten‑year national recovery plan (SERP 2020–2030) emphasizing macroeconomic stabilization, fiscal reform, youth employment, and institutional restructuring.
Their combined leadership experience—at Sudan’s highest finance office and international platforms—provides rare clarity on institutional legacies, reform pathways, and economic rebuilding strategies.
Mr. Kingsley Otoo
He is an educator and agribusiness advocate with a Diploma in Basic Education and a BSc in Procurement Management. Formerly a Procurement Officer with Ghana TVET Services, he has also taught under the Ghana Education Service and at GIMPA. As Business Development Manager at AcquahMeyer Drone Tech, he promotes drone-based farming innovations. Kingsley aggregates mushroom farmers, employs women retailers, and supports compost reuse. As Programmes Manager at Young and Lonely Foundation, he advances agricultural sustainability across Ghana.
Ms. Abigail Darkwah
She is a passionate advocate for youth and women’s empowerment from Sunyani in Ghana’s Bono Region. She serves as the Women’s Commissioner for the Efutu Municipal NASPA and Field Officer for Youth in Agriculture at the Young and Lonely Foundation. Holding a Diploma and Bachelor’s in Art from the University of Education, Winneba, she promotes climate-smart, sustainable farming. Inspired by her farming background, she empowers women and youth to embrace modern agriculture for poverty reduction and community transformation.
The insightful contributions of Kingsley and Abigail at the Umbaja Economic Forum will showcase grassroots Ghana’s readiness and commitment to driving sustainable, community-led development initiatives.
Ms. Alaa Ismail
She is a Sudanese social activist, human rights defender, and peacebuilder with four years of experience in social and humanitarian work. A UN Youth Fellow, YALI Alumna, and Global Peace Chain Delegate, she founded the Education for Peace Project and co-founded Open Up for Peace and Development. As Program Coordinator at Khartoum State Emergency Room and Training Officer at East Nile Human Rights Watch, Alaa advances peace, human rights, and women’s empowerment through education, advocacy, and community engagement.
Forum Moderation, Dr. Hala Burma Omer
She is a distinguished Sudanese community leader and accomplished biomedical scientist based in The Hague, Netherlands. With over two decades of expertise in parasitology, immunology, and molecular biology, she combines scientific excellence with a deep commitment to social impact. Renowned for empowering women and youth, and advocating for human rights and equality, Hala bridges cultures between Sudan and Europe through education, dialogue, and leadership, inspiring positive change across communities and generations.
Funders, Sponsors and Partners
