Africa’s Key SEZ & Industrial Parks – Comparison Chart
| SEZ / Industrial Park | Country | Key Sectors | Tax & Incentives | Strategic Advantages |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Djibouti Free Zone | Djibouti | Logistics, warehousing, re-export | Duty-free imports, corporate tax holidays | Gateway to Red Sea & Suez Canal; links to Ethiopia rail & road |
| Eastern Industrial Zone | Ethiopia | Manufacturing, textiles, light industry | Tax holidays up to 10 years, duty-free capital imports | Direct rail link to Djibouti Port; low labour costs |
| Tanger Med Port & Free Zone | Morocco | Automotive, manufacturing, logistics | Corporate tax exemption for 5 years; VAT exemptions | Mediterranean hub; global shipping routes |
| Casablanca Finance City (CFC) | Morocco | Financial services, HQ operations | Corporate tax rate 0% first 5 years; reduced thereafter | Regional HQ for Africa, MENA, Europe |
| Suez Canal Economic Zone (SCZone) | Egypt | Maritime, manufacturing, petrochemicals | Tax holidays up to 10 years, duty exemptions | Access to Europe, Asia, Africa via Suez Canal |
| Lekki Free Zone | Nigeria | Petrochemicals, oil & gas, manufacturing | Duty-free imports, tax incentives for exports | Deep-sea port integration; major industrial cluster |
| Tema Free Zone | Ghana | Manufacturing, logistics | 0% corporate tax for 10 years, duty-free imports | West Africa logistics hub |
| Athi River EPZ | Kenya | Apparel, agro-processing, manufacturing | 10-year corporate tax holiday; duty-free imports | Export-focused; close to Nairobi transport hubs |
| Lamu Port SEZ | Kenya | Logistics, maritime trade | Tax incentives for investors | Part of LAPSSET Corridor; regional connectivity |
| Bugesera Airport SEZ | Rwanda | Aviation services, logistics | Tax holidays, investment incentives | Aviation-linked hub for East Africa |
| Coega SEZ | South Africa | Automotive, energy, manufacturing | Tax relief, customs control area | Deep-water port access; integrated logistics |
| Richards Bay IDZ | South Africa | Minerals beneficiation, logistics | Tax incentives for exporters | Major mineral export terminal |
| Nacala SEZ | Mozambique | Energy, agro-industry | Tax relief for investors | Port access; SADC gateway |
| Pointe-Noire SEZ | Republic of Congo | Oil & gas support, manufacturing | Tax incentives for industrial activity | Access to Atlantic shipping routes |
| Kribi Industrial Zone | Cameroon | Petrochemicals, mining exports | Tax holidays, duty exemptions | Linked to deep-water port |
Why Special Economic Zones Are Africa’s Gateway to Growth
Special Economic Zones and industrial parks have become critical drivers of Africa’s trade and manufacturing expansion. For investors, they offer streamlined regulatory frameworks, competitive tax incentives, and strategic proximity to major shipping routes and consumer markets. For host countries, they attract foreign direct investment (FDI), create jobs, and accelerate industrial diversification.
By operating in an SEZ, companies can cut costs, speed up market entry, and leverage Africa’s trade agreements — including the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which provides duty-free access to a market of 1.4 billion people.
How Clinton Consultancy Helps You Succeed in SEZs
At Clinton Consultancy, we provide end-to-end legal, strategic, and operational advisory to ensure you unlock the full value of Africa’s SEZ incentives while remaining compliant with all relevant laws. Our services include:
-
Entry Strategy & Jurisdiction Selection – Matching your sector needs with the most advantageous SEZ.
-
Incorporation & Licensing – Company formation, SEZ licence applications, and regulatory liaison.
-
Tax & Trade Structuring – Maximising benefits under tax holidays, customs duty exemptions, and double tax treaties.
-
Customs & Logistics Support – Streamlining import/export compliance and bonded warehousing.
-
Operational Compliance – Ongoing governance, labour law, and environmental compliance advisory.
-
Dispute Management – Handling conflicts with SEZ authorities, concessionaires, or customs agencies.
Key Investment Opportunities by Zone Type
Manufacturing & Processing Zones – Ideal for automotive, textiles, agro-processing, and assembly operations in Morocco, Ethiopia, Kenya, and South Africa.
Logistics & Transshipment Hubs – Serving as regional distribution centres in Djibouti, Namibia, Nigeria, and Ghana.
Financial & Business Services SEZs – Regional HQ locations like Casablanca Finance City for multi-country corporate management.
Energy & Resource Processing Zones – Value-add facilities in Mozambique, Republic of Congo, and Cameroon for oil, gas, and minerals.
Partner With Africa’s SEZ Advisory Leader
Whether you are a manufacturer seeking lower operating costs, a logistics provider wanting regional reach, or a multinational looking for a strategic base, Clinton Consultancy can deliver a tailored SEZ entry plan that maximises your competitive edge.
Email: amanda@clintonconsultancy.com (cc: info@clintonconsultancy.com)
WhatsApp/Call: +233 27 252 2695
