Sudan has a mixed type of economy. There is an informal free market but is limited to agriculture related goods and equipment. It also has elements of a traditional economy that is based on farming and even a barter system. Officially, the government is trying to instill market forces to help the economy survive the slowdown in the oil industry which is its main export next to Arabic gum. In 2011, South Sudan split after a vote for independence taking 75 percent of Sudan's oil reserves.

Sudan's centralized government is hindering economic growth by making decision affecting prices, production, wages and the distribution of goods. As it tries to transition to a truly free market economy, it has removed many of the regulations, however it still discourages foreign investment into Sudan's oil or agriculture industry which is preventing any real growth opportunities.