Building Africa’s Industrial Future: Launch of the African SEZ Academy Pilot Training
Written By Maxine Ansah
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The city of Tangier hosted a landmark event from 15 to 18 September 2025 as the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and the Africa Economic Zones Organization (AEZO) brought together African leaders for the pilot training of the African Special Economic Zones (SEZ) Academy. This initiative marks the first step towards establishing a permanent platform to strengthen Africa’s SEZ ecosystem through structured training, knowledge sharing and peer-to-peer collaboration.
The four-day programme combined high-level training sessions with site visits to the Tanger Med Port Complex, one of the world’s most successful SEZ models. More than 50 participants representing SEZ authorities and government institutions from 24 African countries engaged in the pilot sessions. The training also highlighted international experiences, particularly from China, providing participants with practical insights into global SEZ best practices.
The African SEZ Academy is set to be headquartered at Tanger Med Group in Morocco. Its establishment reflects a shared ambition to create a consistent, resilient and innovative SEZ framework across the continent. The initiative stems from a Memorandum of Understanding signed between UNIDO and AEZO in Nairobi in 2024, underscoring a commitment to sustainable industrialisation and cross-border collaboration.
The Tangier training further served as a preparatory platform for Africa’s participation in the upcoming China International Import Expo (CIIE) in Shanghai in November 2025. Lessons and expertise generated from the discussions will feed directly into the Expo’s session on Free Trade Zones Driving Industrial Innovation and Global Trade.
This effort also builds on the ACP Business-Friendly Programme, funded by the European Union and the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS). The programme has been instrumental in strengthening policy and operational frameworks for SEZs in Africa, including through the Invest-in-ACP Platform and in-depth studies on the future of SEZs on the continent.
During the event, key partners highlighted the importance of the Academy in transforming Africa’s industrial landscape. Ahmed Bennis, Managing Director of Tanger Med Zones and Secretary General of AEZO, noted that the Academy moves the vision into action, aiming to build skills, transfer knowledge and strengthen networks among African SEZ leaders.
From UNIDO, Zhao Jie, Chief of the Asia-Pacific Regional Bureau and Coordinator of UNIDO’s Cross-Divisional Team on Industrial Parks, underlined that the training demonstrates UNIDO’s ongoing commitment to supporting African SEZs through global initiatives such as the Industrial Park Platform, the Global Eco-Industrial Park Programme and digital investment promotion tools.
Sanae Lahlou, UNIDO Country Representative in Morocco, added that South-South Cooperation will be critical in advancing inclusive and sustainable industrialisation. Building on Morocco’s Programme for Country Partnership, the African SEZ Academy is envisioned as a catalyst for peer learning, capacity building and innovation, reinforcing the role of SEZs as drivers of competitiveness and sustainability across Africa.
Once formally established, the African SEZ Training Academy will act as a regional hub for professional development and policy guidance. It will provide expertise to maximise the impact of SEZs and further support the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), positioning SEZs as a vital engine for Africa’s industrial growth and global competitiveness.