BUSINESS IN AFRICA: Zoning in – African countries pair factories, logistics and ports to boost investment
Industrial zones are becoming the focus as Africa seeks to enhance domestic value chains and be more competitive at a global level.
Industrial zones are emerging as a key focus for Africa as it aims to strengthen domestic value chains and compete globally. African special economic zones (SEZs) are growing in size as governments and investors integrate ports, factories, processing facilities, and logistics into a single development. Recent projects in Kenya and Nigeria exemplify this trend, with Kenya's Dangote East Africa Petroleum Refinery and Nigeria's proposed deep-sea port and SEZ.
The Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) promotes integrated zones by providing power, transport, logistics, natural resources, and heavy industry. These SEZs are considered vital because they consolidate multiple sectors. In Togo, the Adétikopé Industrial Platform has already facilitated the export of processed shea butter. Logistics are also crucial, with Agility Global constructing warehouse parks across Africa to simplify market entry.
Ports, too, play a role, with Lagos Free Zone combining manufacturing, logistics, and maritime access. Kenya, Nigeria, Togo, and South Africa illustrate the growing investment in integrated industrial platforms to encourage local processing and exports over raw commodities.
Written by urgent.news from Daily Maverick's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
