AFRICAN SPECIAL ECONOMIC ZONES ANNUAL MEETING 2025
Theme:
African Special Economic Zones: Catalyzing Sustainable Industrial Investment and Global Value Chains Integration
Statement
By
Mr. Claver Gatete
United Nations Under-Secretary-General and
Executive Secretary of ECA
Luanda, Angola
27 November 2025
H.E. Rui Miguêns de Oliveira, Minister of Industry and Commerce of Angola,
H.E. Wamkele Mene, Secretary General, AfCFTA Secretariat,
H.E. Nardos Bekele-Thomas, CEO of AUDA-NEPAD,
H.E. Francisca Tatchouop Belobe, African Union Commissioner for Economic Development, Trade, Tourism, Industry and Minerals,
Mr. Ahmed Bennis, Secretary General, Africa Economic Zones Organization,
Dr. Manuel Francisco Pedro, Chair of the Board of Directors, Luanda-Bengo Special Economic Zone,
Distinguished Leaders of Industry,
Ladies and Gentlemen:
It is a privilege to join you for this important African Special Economic Zones Annual Meeting under the theme: “African Special Economic Zones: Catalyzing Sustainable Industrial Investment and Global Value Chains Integration.”
I wish to start by expressing sincere appreciation to the Government of the Republic of Angola for graciously hosting this crucial gathering.
In particular, I extend warm congratulations as the nation celebrates 50 years of independence – a golden jubilee that reflects remarkable resilience, institution-building and a forward-looking commitment to shared prosperity.
I further commend the African Union Commission, the Africa Economic Zones Organization (AEZO) and the Luanda-Bengo Special Economic Zone for convening this timely dialogue.
Excellencies,
Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen:
We find ourselves in a period of profound global transition.
As we speak, the global economy is slowing, investors are cautious, supply networks are evolving, and the climate imperative is redefining capital flows.
And these headwinds are felt acutely in Africa.
While investment has begun to recover in some countries, overall foreign direct investment trends remain uneven and vulnerable to external shocks.
More than twenty African countries face debt distress, with some paying more toward debt service than toward critical sectors like health, education and infrastructure.
Furthermore, across the continent, the cost of finance continues to be at least three times higher than in developed economies, limiting our ability to invest in infrastructure, energy security and industrial growth.
But really, despite the challenges, can we postpone our development until global conditions improve?
The answer, clearly, is no.
Industrialization for Africa is not a choice but a critical imperative.
The central question is: how do we industrialize faster, deeper and more sustainably, notwithstanding the environment in which we operate?
We must respond, Excellencies, by advancing innovation, regional integration and industrial capability.
And we have proof that this is possible.
In under two decades, Morocco’s Tanger Med, for example, has grown into one of Africa’s most strategic industrial gateways – connecting over 1,200 firms to regional and global value chains, driving more than US$8 billion in annual exports and supporting over 100,000 direct jobs.
Let me stress that this is not an isolated success.
From Ethiopia’s Eastern Industrial Zone to Nigeria’s Lekki platform and Angola’s Luanda-Bengo hub, we see strong evidence that Africa can design, build and operate globally competitive industrial ecosystems.
This confirms that with the right infrastructure, predictable governance and policy certainty, African economies can compete and integrate at scale.
But today, investors no longer seek incentives alone; they seek credibility, efficiency, sustainability and skilled workforce.
In this regard, our Special Economic Zones must evolve from enclaves of production to ecosystems of innovation and transformation; from isolated industrial pockets to integrated drivers of continental value chains.
Now, with the AfCFTA, we are re-writing Africa’s trade equation.
For too long, it has often been cheaper to trade with partners outside our continent than with our own neighbours due to fragmented logistics, differing standards and tariff barriers.
However, the identification of 94 regional value chains across sectors such as agro-processing, pharmaceuticals, automotive, minerals beneficiation and digital services, shows the strong potential for industrial and economic growth.
Africa’s industrial share of GDP is too low, which is why Special Economic Zones are central to building productive capacity across borders.
And with their modern infrastructure and customs facilitation, they can connect cross-border suppliers and manufacturers while creating jobs, nurturing SMEs, empowering youth and women and accelerating Africa’s green industrialization.
So, how do we achieve this?
Allow me to highlight three strategic priorities for our consideration.
First, we must align Special Economic Zone strategies with the African Continental Free Trade Area to ensure these zones serve as industrial hubs to anchor regional value chains, create jobs and expand intra-African trade.
It is not right that Africa exports raw materials only to re-import finished goods.
Why not refine, assemble, package and innovate right here at home?
With integrated strategies, Special Economic Zones can transform fragmented markets into continental corridors of production and prosperity, making “Made in Africa” not only a mark of origin, but a standard of excellence.
To support this vision, ECA is finalizing a continental study on Standards and Norms for Successful Special Economic Zones undertaken with Afreximbank, AUDA-NEPAD and with guidance from member States.
It draws on global best practice and is supported by an Africa-wide Special Economic Zone survey conducted in partnership with Africa Economic Zones Organization to build a shared benchmarking platform.
In fact, the ECA is undertaking a study tour to the Luanda-Bengo Special Economic Zone right after the AEZO Annual Meeting, with a view to showcase homegrown best practices that come from this continent.
Second, we must improve governance, streamline regulation and ensure reliable infrastructure to de-risk investment and attract long-term capital.
Investors, today, are not simply comparing Africa’s potential to itself.
They are measuring Africa against industrial ecosystems in Southeast Asia, Latin America, the Middle East, among others.
Our zones must therefore offer efficiency, transparency and continuity.
In this respect, ECA’s work on reforms and digital customs is helping countries lower risk perceptions so that investment flows where opportunity already exists – which is across Africa.
And third, we must invest in Africa’s people, who are our greatest competitive advantage, by enhancing their skills, digital capabilities and innovation capacity to drive the industries of tomorrow.
For this reason, ECA is collaborating with governments, regional institutions and private partners to build digital innovation hubs, promote climate-smart industrial solutions and scale training programmes that empower youth, SMEs and local entrepreneurs.
As I conclude, Excellencies, I wish to reaffirm that the Economic Commission for Africa, as always, remains committed to continue working with you to ensure these zones become potent centres for industrialization, value and job creation.
And I have every confidence that as we work together, we will ensure that these zones become truly special not merely in title, but in their enduring contribution to Africa’s development journey.
I thank you for your kind attention.