- At AIM Congress 2025, the Africa Regional Forum under the theme “From Zones to Impact: African SEZs Reimagined” gathered key voices to discuss the evolution of SEZs into innovation-driven, inclusive, and integrated economic ecosystems.
- “While the world races on 5G, we’re already building 6G infrastructure to power next-gen smart cities,” said Miho Sato of Yokosuka Research Park (YRP).
- Leaders say that with AfCFTA creating a $3.4 trillion market, Africa’s SEZs are ripe for Japanese precision and Emirati capital.
The Africa Regional Forum at AIM Congress 2025, themed “From Zones to Impact: African SEZs Reimagined,” set the stage for a groundbreaking dialogue on redefining Special Economic Zones (SEZs) as innovation hubs, not just industrial enclaves.
With Africa’s SEZs ballooning from 20 in the 1990s to over 237 today, the continent is at a pivotal moment—balancing rapid expansion with the need for smarter, more inclusive economic ecosystems.
Laura Paez of the UN Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) delivered a wake-up call: “While Africa has over 200 operational SEZs, many struggle with diversification and infrastructure gaps.” The solution? SEZ 2.0—a model prioritizing technology, regional integration, and local value creation.
Gilbert Ewehmeh, Continental Coordinator of Accelerate Africa, echoed this shift: “The future isn’t isolated industrial parks—it’s interconnected ecosystems where SMEs thrive alongside global players.”
Public-Private Power Plays Cited at AIM Congress 2025 as the Key to Africa’s Industrial Leap
Jasveer Singh of ARISE IIP spotlighted the transformative role of PPPs in Africa’s industrial evolution: “Our zones aren’t just factories—they’re economic accelerators. By plugging industrial gaps and scaling value-added production, we’re rewriting Africa’s growth story.”
Meanwhile, Dr. Manuel Francisco Pedro, Chairman of Luanda-Bengo SEZ, stressed AfCFTA alignment: “Harmonizing standards and boosting intra-African trade isn’t optional—it’s existential.”
Japan’s Tech Leadership: 6G, Photonic Networks, and the UAE’s Strategic Play
In the “Japan Talks: Innovations Shaping the World” session, Miho Sato of Yokosuka Research Park (YRP) stated a fascinating revelation: “While the world races on 5G, we’re already building 6G infrastructure to power next-gen smart cities.”
Japan’s relentless R&D culture was on full display, with Hiroshi Miura of NTT DATA unveiling IOWN (Innovative Optical & Wireless Network)—a light-based data transmission tech set to revolutionize finance, healthcare, and AI. “Imagine zero-lag global transactions. That’s IOWN’s promise,” he declared.
Sustainable Manufacturing: NIFCO’s Hidden Hand in Daily Life
Takaaki Nakamura, Director of NIFCO Inc., delivered a startling fact: “In Japan, you can’t move one meter without touching a NIFCO product.” From automotive components to eco-friendly plastics, NIFCO’s ubiquitous yet invisible role underscores Japan’s manufacturing mastery. UAE’s Open Invitation: “Let’s Co-Create the Future”
Rashid Al Teneiji, UAE Ministry of Economy’s Director of International Business Development, extended a bold invitation: “Today’s dialogue must spark deeper UAE-Japan synergies—whether in AI, renewables, or advanced manufacturing.”
The Trifecta Opportunity: UAE as the Bridge Between Japan and Africa
Why Africa? Why Now? With AfCFTA creating a $3.4 trillion market, Africa’s SEZs are ripe for Japanese precision and Emirati capital. The UAE’s logistics prowess (DP World’s African ports) and Japan’s tech excellence could turbocharge zones like:
- ARISE IIP’s Gabon Industrial Hub (transforming raw timber into export-ready furniture)
- Angola’s Luanda-Bengo SEZ (targeting agro-processing and pharma)
The Winning Formula: Tech + Infrastructure + Policy
- Japan’s IOWN could digitally interconnect African SEZs, enabling real-time supply chain tracking.
- UAE’s sovereign wealth vehicles (Mubadala, ADQ) could de-risk Japanese investments in African infrastructure.
- African governments must fast-track SEZ reforms—cutting red tape, offering tax holidays, and ensuring 24/7 power
Read also: Global investors converge in UAE as AIM Congress launches with focus on sustainability
