Sudan is considered to be one of the most suitable Arab countries for the manufacture of paper pulp. The first factory was built before the Second World War near Juba in Equatorial Province. The factory depended on papyrus, which is found in large quantities in the areas of dams in Upper Nile State, but was unsuccessful as a venture.

Five licenses have recently been awarded for new projects to produce paper and cartons for packing. There is a factory in Khartoum that produces white and brown cartons for packing vegetables and fruits.

The National Forestry Corporation, depending on its lawful authority, management and experience, develops and protects forestry resources in the country and provides support for all industries dependent on this sector.

The cost of paper production in Sudan is deemed cheaper than many other countries; the study concluded that the cost of producing one ton of paper in Sudan is 40 per cent cheaper than in the US, 34 per cent less than in Finland, 32 per cent less than in Canada and 11 per cent less than in Sweden. This makes production in Sudan the cheapest source of paper for neighbouring African and Asian countries.