In an era defined by geopolitical turbulence, global trade volatility, and intensifying economic nationalism, Jamaica’s private sector is quietly scripting a story of strategic
adaptation, export resilience, and global ambition. One such story, almost unnoticed, is the island’s unlikely emergence of a trade surplus with the United Arab Emirates
(UAE). Read More.
The United States is stepping up efforts to deepen trade and investment ties with Nigeria, with a particular focus on the Lagos Free Zone (LFZ), a privately developed special
economic zone in Lagos State. U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills Jr., led a delegation from the U.S. Embassy and Consulate General on a recent tour of the zone,
where he expressed support for attracting more American companies to invest in the area. Read More.
Cambodia’s special economic zones (SEZs) are proving to be pivotal in boosting the nation’s export capacity, contributing to more than 23% of total exports. As of 2024, the
country boasts 44 SEZs, which are instrumental in enhancing domestic product exports, with projections estimating their contribution to total exports could reach between
23%-25% from 2022 to 2024. Read More.
Ethiopia is currently experiencing a significant increase in foreign direct investment (FDI) in its Special Economic Zones (SEZs), as reported by the Industrial Parks Development
Corporation (IPDC). In an exclusive interview with The Ethiopian Herald, IPDC's Investment Promotion and Marketing Deputy CEO, Zemen Junedi, revealed that a wider range
of international investors are now entering Ethiopia's SEZs, expanding beyond the previously dominant presence of investors from China and India. Read More.
The commerce department is seeking to amend the law governing special economic zones (SEZs), offering several concessions as it seeks to revive the enclaves to boost exports
and activity within the economy. At a meeting convened by commerce and industry minister on Monday, the plan discussed with exporters included allowing sales in the domestic
tariff area (DTA) - which is the area outside the SEZ - on a duty forgone basis. Read More.
The UK has proposed several measures to consolidate its complex network of special economic zones, addressing concerns over limited success in securing new investment and
jobs, as well as governance and accountability. The Labour government, which took power in July 2024, inherited a vast programme of freeports, investment zones and enterprise
zones. Read More.
In a panel discussion organised by the Africa Collective on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum, inves- tors called for more efforts to drive industrialisation through
the creation of special economic zones (SEZs). Denys Denya, senior executive vice president of the African Export- Import Bank, said that SEZs – areas within a country
that have differ- ent business and trade laws – are a critical tool in overcoming some of the challenges in industrialisa- tion, as they provide a controlled environment
within which critical infrastructure can be concentrated to support industrial activity. Read More.
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