The first Afer event was held in Khartoum on December 25, 2019, hosted at Zafar Center with the generous support of Dr. Marwa and the center’s team. They kindly provided halls for workshops, exhibition spaces, and training sessions.

Project Participation

More than 240 project ideas were submitted across various fields: agriculture, livestock production, health, education, recycling, handicrafts, and small-scale industries.

From these, 20 projects were selected to participate in the program.

Support & Training

Workshops on entrepreneurship, business planning, and marketing were conducted to equip participants with the skills needed to grow their businesses.

Financial Support:

• A fundraising effort generated contributions from various sources.
• After covering essential organizing expenses (tags, printing, hospitality, participant meals), additional contributions from project owners increased the fund.
• The fund was allocated to the best projects based on clear selection criteria.

Grants & Technical Support

Cheque-based financial grants, along with technical support, were awarded to the projects demonstrating the strongest potential for growth and wider community impact.

Each supported entrepreneur was required, within two months, to support another new idea—either financially or through mentorship—ensuring a chain of empowerment that multiplies community impact.

Free marketing opportunities were offered to winners by Souq.com through complimentary ad space.

Zafar Center sponsored training and provided the venue at no cost.

The community also contributed clothes, shoes, blankets, and hygiene products as a symbolic “entry ticket” to the event. These were redistributed to families and individuals in urgent need.

Nahla Haroun – Agricultural Engineer

Project: Aquaculture for household-level fish farming, reducing costs and supporting food security.

SDG Alignment: Life Below Water (Goal 14)

The Aafir Khartoum initiative directly contributed to several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by empowering entrepreneurs in diverse sectors.

On February 12, 2020, Aafir organized a landmark event at Taka Park, Kassala, bringing together youth and women entrepreneurs for exhibitions and training workshops.

This initiative went beyond financial support, providing technical guidance and entrepreneurship training to help participants strengthen their projects and build sustainable livelihoods.

Highlighted Participants

Ali Abkar Mohamed – Public Relations Officer, Ministry of Health
Project: Health awareness sessions and community workshops.
SDG Goal: Good Health & Well-Being (Goal 3).

Ahmed Hussein – Electrical Engineering Student
Project: Producing gases and petroleum substitutes from plastic waste using solar energy.
SDG Goal: Affordable & Clean Energy (Goal 7).

Maher – Halfa Aljadeeda, Kassala State
Project: Production and distribution of traditional Basawla bread to reduce living costs and address bread shortages.
SDG Goal: Zero Hunger (Goal 2).

Esraa Ahmed – Economics & Administrative Sciences Graduate
Project: Boov Crochet and handmade crafts, empowering women through creative small businesses.

Broader Impact

Dozens of young men and women showcased innovative ideas across health, food security, clean energy, and creative industries.

The Kassala gathering highlighted how Aafir empowers youth and women financially and technically, while aligning local innovation with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The third planned Aafir event was scheduled for March 2020 in Port Sudan, Red Sea State. However, due to the sudden outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, priorities were adjusted:

• The Port Sudan event was postponed until it could be safely held.
• Remaining funds from the Kassala event—approved by Aafir participant Esraa Al-Safi and in collaboration with Port Sudan youth—were redirected to support Ahmed Hamid Babiker, an Aafir applicant who had proposed a soap production project.