Sudan underwent a historical division as a result of the January 2011 referendum. South Sudan gained its independence after nearly 99% of South Sudanese voted to secede from the north. The formal declaration of independence took place on 9 July 2011, however, many contested issues remain to be addressed and resolved. Amid all these changes, Sudan's economy has been steadily improving in recent years due to high oil prices, but it is still one of the most challenging business environments in the world. Foreign investment is concentrated in construction and transportation, sectors that are recognised worldwide as being highly corruption-prone. Corruption is, on the other hand, a considerable problem all over Sudan, usually arising in the form of grand scale theft of public funds as well as petty corruption.

Positive developments in relation to corruption and investment:

• In January 2012, after 22 years in office, President Omar al-Bashir established Sudan’s first anti-corruption agency. 
• The South Sudan Anti-Corruption Commission (SSACC) has been given special status beyond other public institutions as part of the government's efforts to step up the fight against corruption in the country.
• The website of the Ministry of Investment is a useful online portal where companies can find investment information concerning registration, licences and permits.

Risks of corruption:

• The Sudanese government remains firmly in control of the country’s oil sector, which is often pointed out as filled with cronyism and clientelism.
• Public servants are known to demand bribes to provide services to which individuals and companies are legally entitled.
• Government officials are frequently involved in corrupt practices with impunity, as officials suspected of corruption are not investigated, although the Auditor General has called for prosecution of members of government for embezzlement of public funds.
• The lack of transparency in Sudan retains its status quo, not only because of the weak administrative set-up that allows for poor record keeping and lax budget handling, but also due to the lack of legislation providing for public access to government information and by the fact that the government does not voluntarily provide such information.

Disclaimer: The present country profile refers to the whole of Sudan until the division that took place in 2011, and only to North Sudan (Sudan) for the period following the division. References to episodes, agencies and corruption cases related solely to the state of South Sudan are sought eliminated.