Ebenezer Aryee, a current Owen MBA candidate, is also a member of the UN Peacekeeping Force in Sudan. Eben has served in many other locations with the UN, including Rwanda when all other countries pulled their troops out of the country. Sudan has become a humanitarian crisis of great magnitude, with over 2.5 million people forced from their homes as a result of the fighting and conditions brought about by the conflict.

Though his presentation focused mainly on the military and humanitarian crisis in Sudan and Darfur in particular, it struck me that with all of the collateral damage incurred as a result of the conflict, there will be great opportunities to have a positive impact through BOP activities in the aftermath of the conflict. People have been displaced, houses and property destroyed, investment in development cut off and economic growth set back decades if not more. This type of situation provides a clear opportunity to move into the vacuum created by the conflict to assist in the redevelopment of Sudan and the Darfur region through business initiatives.

Many of the displaced people are living in refugee camps situated on inhospitable, non-arable land in bordering countries. At the moment, many of these people don’t have the health, financial means, or other resources to make a living for themselves or their families. These people’s abilities aren’t being tapped to their full potential and likely won’t be until they return to their homes.

When asked, Eben cited affordable housing and transportation as some examples of business opportunities. Other potential BOP business opportunities include everything from small scale vendors to agriculture and grazing. Take a moment to think about how the business community could potentially help alleviate the suffering the Darfur now and well into the future once the actual conflict is over.

Thanks to Eben for all that he is doing to ensure humanitarian relief reaches regions of the world in turmoil such as Darfur!