South Africa's Special Economic Zones Seek Their Model

Over 230 special economic zones (SEZs) span the continent, with 12 located in South Africa. These zones, designed to attract investments and revive industry, are meant to be the engine of economic growth. Among them, Coega, located outside Port Elizabeth, embodies the country's ambition. Established in the early 2000s, it is the oldest and largest of these zones. ⏱️ 1 min of reading. Facts and recent developments However, the performance of these SEZs remains mixed. While some have succeeded in boosting employment and industrialization, others struggle to meet expectations. The major challenge lies in the ability to turn investments into tangible progress for Tunisians and South Africans. The question remains: will these zones, although promising, fully fulfill their role as economic engines? South African authorities continue to work on improving the regulatory framework and encouraging businesses to establish themselves. But for these SEZs to become a successful model, much more work remains. Their success will depend not only on economic attractiveness but also on the ability to guarantee decent working conditions and social equity.