Online Reporter
Sikhulekelani Moyo, Zimpapers Business Hub
AFRICA has been urged to harmonise its Special Economic Zone strategies with the frameworks established under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), enabling these zones to become genuine industrial hubs that anchor regional value chains, generate employment, and boost intra-African trade.
This was said by United Nations under-secretary general and executive secretary for Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), Mr Clever Gatete, during his address at the 2025 Annual Meeting of African Special Economic Zones, which was running under the theme: African Special Economic Zones: Fostering Sustainable Industrial Investment and Integration into Global Value Chains.
Mr Gatete said that with adequate infrastructure, reliable governance and stable public policies, African economies can be competitive and integrate on a large scale.
He said investors are no longer just looking for incentives; they are looking for credibility, efficiency, sustainability and a skilled workforce.
In this regard, Mr Gatete said special economic zones in Africa must evolve from mere production enclaves to genuine ecosystems of innovation and transformation; from isolated industrial pockets to integrated drivers of continental value chains.
«We must harmonise the strategies relating to special economic zones with those put in place within the framework of the AfCFTA, so that these zones become true industrial hubs capable of anchoring regional value chains, creating jobs and developing intra-African trade, » said Mr Gatete.
« It is not normal for Africa to export raw materials and then re-import finished products. Why not transform, assemble, package and innovate right here, at home?
« Through integrated strategies, special economic zones can transform fragmented markets into continental corridors of production and prosperity, making ‘Made in Africa’ not only an indication of origin, but also a standard of excellence. »
To promote this vision, Mr Gatetet said the ECA is about to complete a continental study on norms and standards for the success of special economic zones in Africa, conducted with the African Export-Import Bank, the African Union Development Agency-New Partnership for Africa’s Development and with the support of Member States.
This study is based on international best practices and is supported by a pan-African survey on special economic zones, conducted in partnership with the African Economic Zones Organisation, to develop a common comparative assessment platform.
Mr Gatete said there is also a need to improve governance, simplify regulations and put in place reliable infrastructure to reduce investment risks and attract long-term capital.
He also said there is a need to invest in African populations, who constitute the main competitive advantage, by strengthening their skills, digital capabilities and innovation potential in order to support the growth of tomorrow’s industries.
