In the city of Omdurman, west of the capital city Khartoum, Sudan, Moatasem Jibril uses recycled electronic waste to experiment and manufacture robots.

Despite living in a mud house and with limited access to tools and equipment, Jibril’s dreams of creating a robot have thrived, even after having to drop out of university due to his family’s deteriorating financial situation.

“Making robots is a dream that has been in my mind since childhood,” said Jibril. “And I try hard to turn my dream into reality.”

For approximately ten years, Jibril has been trying to craft robots in his family home, challenging poverty by working daily in the market to earn money to purchase the materials needed for his projects. Amid the many crises in Sudan such as the shortage of basic and imported commodities as well as the depreciation of the local currency, Jibril relies on electronic waste he obtains at low prices from local markets to build his robots.

The young man was studying electronics engineering at the International University of Sudan, and often worked while studying to save money. However, due to financial troubles, he eventually found himself dismissed by the University.

“I still suffer from the mockery of colleagues and friends at the University when I begin to explain my project related to the manufacture of robots,” he stated.

Hopeful that his economic conditions will improve, Jibril wishes to return to university and complete his studies. His aspires to build and sell his robots, and thereafter go beyond the robotics industry. Currently, Jibril hopes to find a sponsorship for his project for it to succeed, and lives by his motto: “Everything is possible with determination and persistence.”

Darul Ihsan Media Desk