President Cyril Ramaphosa delivered a keynote address at the 2nd International Special Economic Zones (SEZ) Conference Gala Dinner and Awards Ceremony, highlighting the central role of SEZs in driving South Africa’s industrialisation and economic renewal.He emphasised that SEZs are more than industrial sites — they are engines of transformation, turning investment into factories, factories into jobs, and innovation into competitiveness. Ramaphosa noted that South Africa recently secured R890 billion in investment commitments across strategic sectors such as mining, automotive manufacturing, agro-processing, renewable energy, and digital technologies, much of which will be channelled into SEZs.Citing the success of the Tshwane Automotive SEZ, which has already created over 3,000 permanent jobs, the President reaffirmed that SEZs are a cornerstone of the national investment strategy. He outlined the new Industrial Development Strategy, built on three pillars: decarbonising industries, diversifying export markets, and accelerating digital industrialisation. Complementing this is a new Spatial Industrial Development Strategy, designed to ensure SEZs benefit surrounding communities and support inclusive growth.Ramaphosa referenced a World Bank assessment showing SEZs have attracted R34 billion in investment, created 30,000 jobs, and generated R14 billion in revenue. He stressed that future SEZs will focus on advanced manufacturing, electric mobility, renewable energy, green hydrogen, pharmaceuticals, and mineral beneficiation, positioning South Africa as a leading industrial economy on the continent.The President also underscored the importance of the African Continental Free Trade Area, calling SEZs vital to building regional value chains and strengthening intra-African trade. He concluded by congratulating award recipients, urging all SEZs to continue innovating, creating opportunities, and building industries that deliver lasting prosperity.
