ORGANIZATION OF THE 2024 ANNUAL MEETING OF THE AFRICAN SPECIAL ECONOMIC ZONES IN NAIROBI, KENYA

From November 27 to 29, 2024, Nairobi hosted the Annual Meeting of African Special Economic Zones (SEZs), organized by AEZO and the African Union Commission, in partnership with the Kenyan Ministry of Investment, Trade, and Industry. The event brought together over 400 participants, including ministers, policy-makers, and private sector players, to discuss the role of SEZs in Africa’s economic transformation.

Under the theme “Building Resilient, Inclusive, and Sustainable Economies”, the meeting explored how SEZs can attract sustainable investment, boost competitiveness, and contribute to global priorities such as climate action and food security. Africa boasts over 250 operational SEZs, generating $3.2 trillion in investment in key sectors such as agrifood, automotive, and aeronautics.

The opening ceremony featured a keynote address by His Excellency Dr. William Samoei Ruto, President and Commander-in-Chief of the Republic of Kenya Armed Forces, followed by speeches by H.E. Albert MUCHANGA, African Union Commissioner for Economic Development, Trade, Industry, and Mining, the Hon. Salim MVURYA, Cabinet Secretary of the Kenyan Ministry of Investment, Trade, and Industry, Mr. Mehdi TAZI RIFFI, President of AEZO, and Dr. Gunther BEGER, Director General of Innovation and Economic Transformation of the SDGs at UNIDO.

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was also signed between AEZO and UNIDO to strengthen cooperation as well as SEZ capacities.

Discussions focused on themes such as innovation, sustainability, competitiveness, and the integration of regional value chains. Participants had the opportunity to visit emblematic Kenyan SEZs, such as Tatu City and Konza Technopolis, to discover best practices in management and development.

The event redefined the approach to SEZs in Africa, highlighting their potential to promote sustainable economic development and inclusive growth. Kenya, the meeting’s host, continues to play a key role in the region’s economic integration, with a dozen or so SEZs operational and numerous projects under development.