About the association
Who we are
Who we are
Purpose, vision, mission and values
Purpose
To grow economies, create fair opportunities and improve people's lives.
Vision
A globally competitive Southern Africa where industrial growth creates lasting prosperity for its people.
Mission
Connecting industrial zones, investors, government, business and communities through advocacy, investment facilitation, skills development and regional collaboration.
Values
Inclusion, collaboration, integrity, excellence, advocacy and shared prosperity.
Founder’s statement
Why SASEZA exists
“Southern Africa’s Special Economic Zones can attract investment, build industries and create real opportunity for millions of people. That potential is held back by fragmented policy, disconnected institutions and zones that operate in isolation from one another.
SASEZA exists to close those gaps.
We bring zones, investors, government, industry, development institutions and local enterprise onto one independent regional platform — joining policy advocacy, investment facilitation, industrial intelligence, skills development and supplier participation.
We do not measure success by investment figures alone. We measure the opportunities created for local people, the businesses brought into the value chain, the skills developed and the prosperity retained in the region.
We want to bring the world to Southern Africa.”
Constituencies we serve
- Zone authorities and operators
- Manufacturers and industrial operators
- Investors and development finance institutions
- National and provincial government
- Diplomatic missions and trade agencies
- Local suppliers and small enterprises
Our mandate
Four areas of work
The association delivers against four areas of work on behalf of its members, whether they operate a zone, an industrial facility, an investment mandate or a government programme.
Convening
The association brings zone authorities, manufacturers, government departments and investors into structured engagements with a defined agenda and recorded outcomes.
Investment facilitation
We plan and host investor programmes into zones in the region, including itineraries, site visits, participation by the responsible officials, and follow-up after the delegation concludes.
Industrial placement
We assist manufacturers seeking a first or additional site with zone comparison, introductions to zone operators and guidance through registration and approval requirements.
Skills and local participation
We work with investors and zone authorities to attach training, local hiring and supplier development commitments to new investment, so that host communities share in the outcome.