The Africa Economic Zones Association (AEZO) and the African Union in partnership with Tanger Med Group, organized the “Special Economic Zones Annual Meeting” on November 23rd and 24th under the theme “Promoting Sustainable Industrialization and Economic Diversification: A Roadmap for African SEZs.”
The opening ceremony was presided over by Mr. Omar Moro, President of the Tanger Tetouan-Al Hoceima Regional Council, Mr. Mehdi Tazi Riffi, CEO of Tanger Med Group, Mrs. Nardos Bekele-Thomas, CEO of NEPAD, Mr. Abubakar Hassan Abubakar, Secretary of State in charge of investment promotion in Kenya, Dr. Richard Bolwijn, Director of Investment at UNCTAD, and Mr. Chiza Charles Newton Chiumya, Director in charge of industry, mining, entrepreneurship, and tourism at the African Union Commission.
This annual meeting serves as a platform for discussing major issues related to sustainable industrialization and economic diversification across Africa. Decision-makers draw inspiration from international best practices while considering the unique socio-economic landscape of the continent.
Today, 220 SEZs exist, covering more than 140,000 hectares, mobilizing more than 5 billion USD in investment and creating 5 million jobs.
More than 300 participants joined the event, representing over 60 economic zones from 48 African countries, international organizations, financial institutions, investment promotion agencies, and over thirty international experts.
The Africa Economic Zones Association (AEZO) is a continental association representing key public and private institutions responsible for the development, management, and promotion of SEZs in Africa. AEZO was founded in November 2015 by Tanger Med Group and currently has 85 Special Economic Zones representing 45 African countries. (End)