Africa's top 10 industrial zones to watch out for business investment purposes in 2024

Africa, known for its rich natural resources and dynamic economic growth, is increasingly becoming a hotspot for global investors seeking lucrative opportunities. Its Special Economic Zones (SEZs) are brimming with investment opportunities and business benefits, including tax exemptions and incentives, integrated infrastructures and machineries, as well as regulatory support and facilities to businesses. 

From mineral-rich zones in the Democratic Republic of Congo to agricultural hubs in Benin and timber processing in Gabon, each SEZ capitalizes on local assets to create abundant business opportunites for investors in Africa. These zones not only offer access to regional markets and infrastructure but also provide incentives like tax exemptions and streamlined regulations to foster business expansion. By promoting sectors such as manufacturing, agriculture, and technology, you could play a pivotal role in diversifying Africa's economies and positioning the continent as a key player in the global marketplace.

Want to expand your business in 2024 and beyond? Explore Africa and the top ten investment zones with strategic importance, investment potential, and their business sectors and opportunities.

Read more to find out!

1.  CIP - Congo Industrial Platforms (Democratic RoC)

Location: Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo
Zone Size: 528 hectares

The Congo Industrial Platforms (CIP), located in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo, covers a massive 528 hectares and offers direct market access to nearly 20 million inhabitants in one of Africa's fastest-growing megacities. This special economic zone focuses primarily on timber and wood processing, leveraging the country's 155 million hectares of forest area. It also targets sectors such as FMCG, pharmaceuticals, and consumer electronics, positioning itself as a key player in the Central African market. With significant opportunities in multiple business sectors, the CIP aims to exemplify the potential for investment in Congo, with tax exemptions and other business benefits for foreign investors.

2. IPRFZ - Industrial Platform Remo Free Zone (Nigeria)

Location: Ogun State, Nigeria

Zone Size: 549 hectares

The Industrial Platform Remo Free Zone (IPRFZ) in Ogun State, Nigeria, spans 549 hectares. Its prime focus is on maximizing local resource processing and transformation to high value end products, and is positioned as one of Africa's top investment zones for world wide investors. Key sectors within the zone include agricultural machinery, waste recycling, pharmaceuticals, consumer electronics, construction, metals and mining, and more. With abundant investment opportunities, IPRFZ has become a strategic hub for investors seeking to capitalize on Nigeria's rich resources and growing market. As a Public-Private Partnership between Arise IIP and the Ogun State Government, the zone aims to attract investments that enhance production capabilities and local resource transformation.

3. ZILOG- Zone Industrielle du Logone (Chad)

Location: Republic of Chad
Zone Size: 1000 hectares

The ZILOG Industrial Zone in the Republic of Chad covers 1000 hectares and presents a prime opportunity for investors looking to capitalize on Africa's emerging markets, and expand their business globally. A key focus is on meat processing sector, making it an attractive destination for investment, alongside other complementary sectors such as the agro-industry and value-added agricultural machineries and product market. ZILOG is a strategic Public-Private Partnership between Arise IIP and the Republic of Chad, offering significant potential for investors to develop their business with infra facilities, tax exemptions and business advantages.

4. PIA- Plateform Industrial Adetikope (Togo)

Location: Lomé, Togo
Zone Size: 410 hectares

The PIA industrial zone in Togo, strategically positioned along the Lomé-Burkina industrial corridor, provides access to the ECOWAS market and other landlocked regions of West Africa. It spans 410 hectares and focuses on creating value chains for storage, raw resource processing, manufacturing and export. The PIA’s integrated infrastructure and business-friendly policies make it an ideal destination for investments across various sectors. This special economic zone stands out among the top investment zones of Africa as well, particularly in the sectors of agro-processing, automotive and spares, and textiles, which boast a high progressige compound annual growth rate. As a vital hub for industrial activities, PIA offers investors significant opportunities to worldwide investors to tap into Africa's growing market and leverage the region's strategic advantages for business development and expansion.

5. GDIZ - Glo-Djigbe Industrial Zone (Benin)

Location: Near Cotonou, Benin
Zone Size: 1640 hectares

The Glo-Djigbe Industrial Zone, strategically located near Cotonou, Benin, spans 1640 hectares at its current phase. This special economic zone focuses on the local transformation of agricultural products, distinguishing itself as a prime investment destination in Africa for investors. Key sectors include textiles and agro-processing, with a substantial billion dollar market size. The zone offers rich opportunities under Agro Processing such as cashew and shea processing, cassava, cotton, pineapple, and soybean, making it an attractive hub for investors aiming to leverage Africa's vast agricultural wealth. With proximity to Cotonou Port and supportive government policies, the GDIZ aims to facilitate export-oriented investments and economic diversification.

6. GSEZ - Gabon Special Economic Zone (Gabon)

Location: Nkok, Gabon
Zone Size: 1126 hectares

Situated in Nkok in Gabon, the Gabon Special Economic Zone spans 1126 hectares at its current phase. Focused on timber processing and industrial activities, it is a premier location among African economic zones to invest in. The zone specializes in timber and wood processing, boasting over 400 timber species. Investment opportunities are abundant in the production of veneer, sawwood, plywood, and furniture, tapping into a huge billion dollar market size, and positioning it as one of the top zones to invest in Africa. GSEZ industrial zone in Gabon offers significant opportunities in several industrial sectors, leveraging its strategic location near Libreville. As a Public-Private Partnership between Arise IIP and the Gabonese government, GSEZ promotes sustainable development and value-added exports in Central Africa.

7. BSEZ - Bugesera Special Economic Zone (Rwanda)

Location: Bugesera, Rwanda
Zone Size: 335.67 hectares

Covering 335.67 hectares of Bugesera in Rwanda, this dynamic BSEZ special economic zone has attracted millions of dollars in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI). With a strong focus on industrial and manufacturing sectors, it stands out as one of the top zones to invest in Africa for worldwide investors looking to expand their business. The zone includes sectors such as animal husbandry, agro-processing, timber, pharmaceuticals, construction, waste recycling, packaging and more. Offering significant investment potentials, opportunities abound in meat processing, cassava, glass manufacturing, API and medicine, poultry farming, horticulture, waste management and other fast growing makets. As one of the fastest growing zones in Africa, it is a prime location for investors looking to tap into Africa's burgeoning economic landscape and natural resources. BSEZ industrial zone in Rwanda aims to drive economic growth through industrialization and export-oriented manufacturing, with tax exemptions and other business benefits for investors. 

8. ZIC - Zones Industrielles de Côte d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast)

Location: Abidjan, Ivory Coast
Zone Size: 440 hectares

Located in PK-24, Abidjan in Ivory Coast (or Cote d'Ivoire), and spanning 440 hectares, the ZIC special economic zone is recognized as one of the best investment zones. The ZIC features sectors such as automotive and spare parts, pharmaceuticals, agro-processing, consumer electronics, textiles, FMCG, and timber and wood processing. It presents abundant opportunities in shea processing, rubber, palm oil, glass manufacturing, garments, cashew and fruit processing, cocoa, ceramic, cement, and hardware products. ZIC industrial zone in Ivory Coast is poised to enhance the country's industrial capabilities by promoting the manufacturing and processing of agricultural commodities, and giving foreign investors the necessary infra and utility facilities to grow and expand their busienss in Africa. The zone's strategic location near Abidjan and supportive regulatory environment make it an attractive destination for investors seeking to expand operations in West Africa.

9. PIC - Plateformes Industrielles du Congo (Republic of Congo)

Location: Pointe-Noire, Oyo, Ouesso
Zone Size: 2700 hectares

The Plateformes Industrielles du Congo (PIC) zone in the Republic of Congo, encompassing 2700 hectares across Pointe-Noire, Oyo, and Ouesso, is a prime example of Africa's fastest-growing investment zones. With a billion dollar Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), the government focuses on developing its special economic zones (SEZs) to diversify the economy beyond oil revenues. This top zone to invest in Africa boasts sectors such as timber and wood processing, construction materials, chemicals, and metals and mining, offering numerous investment opportunities in lucrative markets such as sawn wood, glass manufacturing, caustic soda, methanol, paper and pulp, furniture, MDF, plywood, veneer, and metal refining, making it one of the key Africa economic zones to invest in. PIC industrial zone in the Republic of Congo aims to diversify the economy by actively developing three SEZs in Pointe-Noire, Oyo, and Ouesso. As a PPP between Arise IIP and the Congolese government, PIC supports industrial growth, and offers key infrastructure facilities and resource access for investors to process and profit.

10. ZISARH- Zone industrielle de Sarh (Chad)

Location: Sarh, Chad
Zone Size: 500 hectares
 

The ZISARH industrial zone, strategically situated in Sarh, Chad's third-largest city, presents a compelling proposition for international investors seeking a foothold in Africa's burgeoning industrial landscape. Sarh boasts a rich history as the country's former economic capital and remains a crucial trade hub for agricultural products in the region. The ZISARH zone, established through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) between Arise IIP and the Republic of Chad, represents the nation's second integrated industrial platform. This initiative aims to unlock Chad's industrial potential and transform the nation into a regional manufacturing hub capitalizing on its abundant natural resources. Investors in ZISARH will benefit from a well-connected location, situated 560 km from the capital N'Djamena with access to both road and air transportation networks. The zone offers a fertile ground for companies across various sectors to establish themselves.

Ready to Take Your Business to the Next Level? #InvestInAfricaNow

Choose from the best investment zones in Africa and establish yourself as a globally reputed investor, securing a prominent position in the fast growing African market. Explore these thriving special economic zones today or you can also check out the top 18 sectors in Africa for investment today. To get in touch with our Africa zone investment specialists or support team, you can email us at invest@arisenet.com.

 
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As global interest in Africa's emerging markets continues to rise, leveraging these strategic investment zones can help you unlock significant business benefits and global presence.