Posted on :Tuesday , 19th November 2019

The 4th annual meeting of Africa free zones opens in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia under the theme “Economic Zones – Accelerator for Industrialization in Africa”.

The attendees include over 220 delegates representing 43 countries attended this important event, including 60 African economic zones, 30 experts, as well as several representatives of governmental authorities, international institutions and public and private organizations.

Several international speakers representing international and financial institutions such as UNCTAD, UNIDO, UNECA, AfDB etc. shared during this event their expertise on effective means for economic zones development in Africa.

The opening ceremony of the Africa Free Zones Organization’ 4th Annual Meeting was cochaired by M. Albert Muchanga the Commissioner for Trade and Industry of the African Union Commission (AUC), Ms Dagmawit Moges the Minister of Transport of Ethiopia, M Mehdi Tazi Riffi the President of the Africa Free Zones Organization.

The statement noted that various topics related to challenges and trends of African economic zones were addressed including strategic directions and effective governance model, contribution of economic zones for FDI growth and job creation, importance of logistics competitiveness within economic zones, skills development and training.

The Africa Free Zones Organization aims to ensure representation of African Economic Zones at international organisations; enhancement and improvement of economic zones attractiveness; setting up of tailored model for economic zones development.

The Organization currently has more than 72 members representing 37 African countries.

Africa Free Zones Organization brings together the leading African economic zones and institutions in charge of the development, management and promotion of economic zones in our continent.