In 1871, the postal service between Egypt and Sudan was organized, and taxes were imposed. The soldiers were forbidden from collecting them. In Khartoum, a council of notables was formed, meeting twice a year to discuss the country's affairs and reforms. The abolition of the slave trade was announced. The French engineer, Rouda, drew the railway line between Khartoum and Suakin. Ali Abd al-Maqsud and his tribe from the Mahishah region sought amnesty.

In 1877, Said Pasha died and was succeeded by Ismail Pasha. Under Said Pasha and his successor Ismail Pasha, Sudan received great attention. During his reign, great conquests were made, and the influence of Egypt and its Sultan extended beyond the equator. Bahr and Uganda came under Egyptian suzerainty. The construction of the railway began from Halfa and Suakin. The Red Sea coasts were acquired, and deposits of petroleum, lead, and iron were discovered. Darfur was conquered, and Sudan became a byword for security and prosperity. Among the governors of Sudan known for good administration was Musa Pasha Jamil. He arrived in the country before Said Pasha and Ismail Pasha.

Revolts occurred in Kordofan and the Nuba Mountains. He organized the tax collection system, dividing it into three installments per year, and appointed provincial governors to oversee it. He wore Turkish clothing and expelled the Abyssinians from the Qallabat.

His wife, Lady Baker, accompanied him on his expedition to discover the sources of the Nile. He reached Khartoum and met Grant and Speke, who had been sent by the Royal Geographical Society of England via Zanzibar. One of his expeditions for this purpose was in 1861. He reached Gandok and handed over the command to Ali Bey.

Musa Pasha came to Egypt in 1869, and when Ismail Pasha took over, he informed Ismail Pasha of the country's situation. He was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant General and remained in his post until his death there on March 6, 1871. He was succeeded by Jum'a Pasha Sadiq. During his governorship, the threat of invasion was present throughout the country, numbering four.