Africa’s manufacturing sector was entering a pivotal phase of growth, with Special Economic Zones (SEZs) emerging as key enablers of industrialisation and global competitiveness. As governments across the continent prioritised industrial policy, SEZs were playing a central role in attracting investment, clustering industries, and creating efficient, investment-ready ecosystems. Driven by rapid urbanisation, a growing consumer base, and increasing economic integration under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), Africa presented a compelling opportunity for manufacturers seeking to diversify supply chains and access new markets. SEZs offered a structured environment where infrastructure, regulatory frameworks, and incentives were aligned to reduce operational barriers and accelerate industrial growth. Across sectors such as agro-processing, automotive assembly, pharmaceuticals, textiles, and green industrial materials, SEZs were demonstrating how localised production could capture greater value, create skilled employment, and support export-led growth. However, unlocking their full potential required strong coordination between governments, zone developers, investors, and industrial operators, alongside reliable energy, efficient transport corridors, access to finance and a skilled workforce. Hosted by Invest Africa in partnership with DLA Piper, the webinar brought together Titus Edjua, Partner at DLA Piper, Tejaswi Avasarala, Director - Commercialisation at Lagos Free Zone, Osam Iyahen, Senior Director and Head of Infrastructure (Transport & Logistics) at Africa Finance Corporation, Amandine Ogouebandja épouse Deniel, Associate Vice President at Arise Integrated Industrial Platforms (Arise IIP), and Geoffrey White, CEO, Africa at Agility Global. The discussion explored how SEZs were shaping Africa’s manufacturing landscape, highlighting successful zone-led industrial models, investment opportunities, and the policy and partnership frameworks needed to drive long-term industrial growth.
