Mohamed El Mardi El Tegani is the Founder and Chairman of Saturn Investment Ltd and Saturn Green Energy, with more than three decades of experience across agro-industry, investment, market analysis, contract management, funding, renewable energy and commodity trading.
Based between Sudan and the UAE, Mohamed El Mardi El Tegani has built and led ventures working across modern agriculture, food security, renewable energy, logistics, commodity trading and green technologies. His work focuses on connecting investment with practical solutions that support sustainable economic development across Africa, the Middle East and international markets. He also serves as a Council Member of the World Agricultural Forum and as Chairperson of Saturn Human Resources & Logistics Co Ltd.
Mohamed El Mardi Entrepreneurial Journey
We started the interview by asking, “Mohamed El Mardi El Tegani, could you introduce yourself and explain the focus of your work today?”
Mohamed El Mardi El Tegani replied, “I am an entrepreneur and investment professional with more than three decades of experience across business development, market analysis, contract management, funding and international trade. Today, my work is focused on building and supporting businesses that address practical economic needs, particularly in food security, re-generative agriculture, renewable energy, commodity trading and related infrastructure.
As Founder and Chairman of Saturn Investment Ltd and Saturn Green Energy, I work across Sudan, the UAE, Africa and the Middle East. My objective is to connect investment opportunities with solutions that can create long-term economic and environmental value.”
Saturn Investment’s Role
The Arab Today: How does Saturn Investment Ltd contribute to agricultural and economic development?
Mohamed El Mardi El Tegani replied, “Saturn Investment Co Ltd is a diversified business with activities extending beyond global trading into agriculture, renewable energy, biofuels, supply chain, technology products and integrated services. One of our agricultural ventures is Ard Fadk (AFFAP) which focuses on modern mixed farming involving agricultural and animal production and processing. The broader objective is to develop interconnected businesses where agriculture, energy, logistics and technology can support each other. This approach can improve efficiency and create stronger foundations for sustainable growth.”
Advancing Renewable Energy Solutions
The Arab Today: What is the role of Saturn Green Energy in the renewable energy sector?
Mohamed El Mardi El Tegani replied, “Saturn Green Energy (SGE) is a SPV focused on renewable energy solutions. We work with solar and hybrid (solar and wind) technologies designed to provide scalable energy solutions ranging from kilowatt to megawatt applications. Our technology partners and suppliers are many from the US, Japan, Taiwan, India and China.
Our focus is not limited to supplying technology. We are interested in how renewable energy can be integrated into real projects, including public transport, mobility solutions, power purchase agreement models and other applications where clean energy can contribute to economic development.”
Hybrid Solar and Wind Energy
The Arab Today: Why do you believe hybrid solar and wind technology is important for emerging markets?
Mohamed El Mardi El Tegani replied, “Emerging markets often have different energy requirements depending on geography, infrastructure and local economic conditions. A technology solution therefore needs to be flexible and scalable. Hybrid solar and wind systems can combine different renewable resources within one solution. This can create additional opportunities for reliable clean-energy generation in suitable locations.
For me, the important point is matching the technology with the actual needs of the market rather than treating renewable energy as a one-size-fits-all solution.”
Financing Green Energy
The Arab Today: What is your approach to financing large-scale green and infrastructure projects?
Mohamed El Mardi El Tegani replied, “My approach is based on understanding the underlying commercial value of a project and developing a financing structure around realistic assets, contracts, markets and cash flows. At Saturn Green Energy, we have explored resource-backed financing for green energy projects, including opportunities connected to oil and gas concessions. We also work with different commercial and contractual structures depending on the project. The most important principle is that financing should support a viable business model. Good technology alone is not enough; the project must have a practical path toward implementation and sustainability.”
Commodity Trading and Investment Strategy
The Arab Today: You have extensive experience in commodity trading. How does this experience influence your investment decisions?
Mohamed El Mardi El Tegani replied, “Commodity trading has given me a strong understanding of markets, supply chains, pricing, contracts and international relationships.
Through Saturn Investment Co FZE LLC, our activities include commodities such as sugar, sunflower oil, oil seeds, meat and poultry, livestock, fruits and vegetables, along with other general trading and supply activities. This experience helps me evaluate opportunities from both the commercial and operational sides. I look at where demand exists, how products can move through the supply chain, what contractual requirements are involved and how financing can support the transaction.”
Building a Business Portfolio
The Arab Today: Your businesses operate across several sectors. How do you maintain a clear strategic direction?
Mohamed El Mardi El Tegani replied, “The sectors may be different, but there are strong connections between them. Agriculture requires energy, logistics, financing and market access. Energy projects require investment, infrastructure and commercial planning. Commodity trading depends on supply chains and market knowledge.
I therefore look for opportunities where one business capability can strengthen another. Strategic diversification works best when the different activities have a clear economic relationship rather than simply being a collection of unrelated businesses.”
Logistics and Global Food Security
The Arab Today: What role does logistics play in food security and international trade?
Mohamed El Mardi El Tegani replied, “Supply Chain is fundamental. Producing food or sourcing commodities is only part of the process. Products must also be cleared, transported, stored and delivered to the right market. Through Saturn Investment Co Ltd and its logistics activities, including Port Sudan Custom Clearance & Logistics (MMCCL) we support customs clearance, stevedoring and logistics services. Efficient logistics can reduce delays and help businesses connect producers with domestic and international markets more effectively.”
Opportunities in Biofuels
The Arab Today: You have also worked in biofuels and green technologies. What opportunities do you see in this area?
Mohamed El Mardi El Tegani replied, “Biofuels can contribute to a broader transition toward more sustainable energy systems when developed with the right feedstocks, technology and economic model.
Through Green Biofuels, our activities have included bioethanol and biodiesel solutions, micro-distillery technology, green cooking stoves and related biofuel industry integration.
The opportunity is particularly interesting where agricultural resources and energy requirements can be connected within a local value chain.”
Navigating International Markets
The Arab Today: What have you learned from working across Sudan, the UAE, Africa and international markets?
Mohamed El Mardi El Tegani replied, “One of the biggest lessons is that every market has its own realities. A successful business model needs to understand local regulations, customer requirements, infrastructure, financing conditions and commercial culture.
At the same time, international markets create opportunities to transfer technology, investment and expertise between regions.
My experience in Sudan and the UAE has given me exposure to both local operating environments and international business networks. I believe that combination is valuable when developing cross-border partnerships.”
Agricultural Collaboration
The Arab Today: You are also a Council Member of the World Agricultural Forum. What does agricultural collaboration mean to you?
Mohamed El Mardi El Tegani replied, “Agriculture is a global issue, so collaboration is essential. The World Agricultural Forum provides an opportunity for stakeholders from different parts of the agricultural ecosystem to exchange ideas and discuss practical challenges.
My interest is particularly focused on how investment, technology and private-sector participation can contribute to food security and re-generative sustainable agricultural development.”
Future Priorities for Saturn Investment
The Arab Today: What are your priorities for Saturn Investment Ltd and Saturn Green Energy in the coming years?
Mohamed El Mardi El Tegani replied, “Our priority is to continue developing practical businesses around food security, sustainable agriculture, renewable energy, green technologies and international trade. For Saturn Green Energy, this includes expanding renewable energy solutions across Africa, the Middle East and GCC markets and exploring projects involving green energy, e-mobility and scalable power solutions.
For Saturn Investment Ltd, the focus remains on strengthening our diversified business activities and developing partnerships that can create sustainable commercial value.”
Advice for Entrepreneurs
Lastly we asked, “What advice would you give entrepreneurs looking to build businesses across emerging markets?”
“Understand the market before committing capital. Entrepreneurs should study the actual need, identify the right partners, understand regulations and build a realistic financial model.
I would also encourage entrepreneurs to think beyond a single transaction. Long-term relationships, reliable execution and credibility are extremely important in international business. Most importantly, focus on solving a genuine problem. When a business addresses a real market need, it has a stronger foundation for sustainable growth.” Mohamed El Mardi El Tegani concluded
Connect with Mohamed El Mardi El Tegani on LinkedIn
For more information visit Saturn Investment Ltd & Saturn Green Energy
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