How to Write a CV in Sudan: Format & Guide 2026

Sudan has a large and historically significant economy in northeast Africa, with major sectors in agriculture, telecommunications, banking, and increasingly, oil. Khartoum remains the main professional hub despite ongoing political and economic challenges. Arabic is the official language and is used in most domestic professional applications, while English is required for international organisations and companies with foreign links.

The Sudan CV Format

CVs in Sudan can be written in Arabic or English depending on the employer. For domestic private companies, government ministries, and most established Sudanese businesses, Arabic is the expected language. For international NGOs, development organisations, and multinational companies, English is required. One to two pages is the standard length for either version.

The format is reverse-chronological: most recent education and work experience first. Use a clean font at 11-12 points. For Arabic CVs, ensure the document is formatted right-to-left. Structure should include a personal information header, career objective, education, work experience, skills, and referees.

Language and Personal Information

Arabic is the first language of professional CVs for domestic employers. For international or foreign-owned organisations, submit in English. For some roles, both versions may be requested.

Include: full name, address (city and state), phone number, and email address. Date of birth is commonly included. Nationality is standard. For government applications, additional personal details such as national number may be required on a separate application form.

Professional Photo

A professional headshot is expected on Sudanese CVs for most sectors. Use a formal, recent photograph with a neutral background and professional attire. For international NGO applications submitted through online portals, follow the application instructions, which may not require a photo.

Education

List qualifications in reverse chronological order. The most recognised institutions in Sudan are the University of Khartoum (UofK), founded in 1902 and the oldest and most prestigious university in Sudan, the Sudan University of Science and Technology (SUST), the Omdurman Islamic University (OIU), the Alzaiem Alazhari University (AAU), and the Academy of Medical Sciences and Technology (AMSAT). Many Sudanese professionals hold degrees from Egyptian, Jordanian, Saudi, and Gulf universities, as well as UK institutions.

Include the institution name, degree, field of study, and year of completion. In Arabic CVs, use the Arabic transliteration of the institution name.

Work Experience

List employment in reverse chronological order. For each role, provide employer name, job title, employment dates, and three to five bullet points of responsibilities and achievements.

Employers recognised by Sudanese recruiters include Sudanese Telecommunications Company (Sudatel), MTN Sudan, Zain Sudan, Bank of Khartoum, Omdurman National Bank, Faisal Islamic Bank of Sudan, Khartoum Refinery Company (KRC), Sudan Airways, DAL Group (the largest private conglomerate in Sudan, active in food and beverages, automotive, and construction), and the Government of Sudan (various ministries). International organisations including UNDP Sudan, WFP Sudan, UNICEF Sudan, and UNHCR Sudan are major professional employers.

Key Sectors

Agriculture employs the majority of Sudan's workforce and is the backbone of the economy. Telecommunications and financial services are the leading professional private sector employers. The oil sector, despite the loss of South Sudan's oil fields in 2011, retains some production in the east. The international humanitarian sector is a significant employer of skilled graduates in Khartoum. Construction and trade are growing.

Skills and Certifications

List language skills, technical competencies, and professional certifications. Arabic is essential for domestic employers. English is required for international organisations and increasingly valued for career progression. For finance professionals, ACCA, SOCPA (Saudi Organisation for Certified Public Accountants, widely recognised in the Arab world), and CPA qualifications are valued. For IT roles, Microsoft, Cisco, and Oracle certifications are recognised. Project management: PMP and PRINCE2.

Declaration

An authenticity declaration at the end of a CV is expected in Sudan for government and formal private sector applications: "أقر بصحة المعلومات الواردة أعلاه وأتحمل المسؤولية القانونية عن أي معلومات غير صحيحة." (I affirm the accuracy of the information above and accept legal responsibility for any inaccuracies.) In English CVs, state: "I certify that the information provided is true and accurate."

Cover Letter

A cover letter (or covering email for digital applications) is expected for most professional applications. In Arabic for domestic employers, in English for international organisations. Keep it to one page. Structure it: the specific role, your most relevant qualification, and your specific motivation.

Common CV Mistakes in Sudan

• Wrong language for the employer: Submitting an Arabic CV to an international NGO, or an English CV to a domestic government ministry, immediately signals a lack of preparation.
• Omitting achievements: List specific outcomes, not just job duties; quantify where possible.
• No declaration: Expected for government and many private sector applications; include it in every formal submission.
• Photo of poor quality: A formal, professional headshot is expected; an informal or low-resolution photo is worse than no photo.
• Vague referees: Provide full name, title, organisation, and contact for each referee.