MEDIA BRIEFING: 2ND INTERNATIONAL SPECIAL ECONOMIC ZONES INFRASTRUCTURE AND INVESTMENT CONFERENCE
16 JULY 2026
DURBAN ICC

It is my honour to welcome you to KwaZulu-Natal for the Second International Special Economic Zones Infrastructure and Investment Conference.
As the host province, we are privileged to partner with the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition in convening this important gathering under the theme:
“Reigniting Industrialisation through World-Class Special Economic Zones.”
This conference comes at a critical time for South Africa’s economy.
Our country continues to pursue inclusive economic growth, industrial expansion, investment attraction and sustainable job creation.
Special Economic Zones remain one of government’s most important instruments to realise these objectives by creating globally competitive industrial hubs that attract investment, support manufacturing and increase exports.
KwaZulu-Natal is proud to play a leading role in this agenda.
With strategic infrastructure that includes the Ports of Durban and Richards Bay, King Shaka International Airport, Dube TradePort Special Economic Zone and the Richards Bay Industrial Development Zone, our province serves as a gateway for trade and investment into South Africa, the African continent and global markets.
Over the next two days, Durban will welcome more than 1 000 delegates, including government leaders, investors, industry experts, development finance institutions, business leaders and international partners who will collectively explore practical solutions to accelerate industrialisation and strengthen Africa’s competitiveness.
The conference will focus on key issues including:

• strengthening Special Economic Zones through investment and infrastructure;
• unlocking opportunities presented by the African Continental Free Trade Area;
• expanding regional value chains;
• financing industrial development; and
• ensuring that SMMEs and local communities participate meaningfully in the growth of our economy.

Importantly, this conference is not simply about discussion.
It is about building partnerships, attracting new investment, sharing international best practice and identifying practical interventions that will help South Africa’s Special Economic Zones become globally competitive and deliver tangible economic benefits for our people.
This evening, we will also celebrate excellence through the inaugural Special Economic Zones Achievement Awards, recognising outstanding performance by our SEZs and investors who continue to make significant contributions towards industrial development, innovation and job creation.
Ladies and gentlemen,
KwaZulu-Natal remains committed to working with national government, our Special Economic Zones, the private sector and international partners to build an economy that is competitive, resilient and inclusive.
We are confident that the outcomes of this conference will contribute meaningfully to South Africa’s industrialisation agenda and create new opportunities for investment, enterprise development and employment.
It is now my pleasure to invite the Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Honourable Parks Tau, to provide further details on the conference programme and expected outcomes.

Thank you.