Sunil Goyal, Abu Dhabi, UAE
The AIM Congress 2025 witnessed a dynamic convergence of global leaders, innovators, and policymakers as it explored new avenues for investment cooperation between the UAE, Japan, and Africa. A highlight of the event was the Africa Regional Forum, held under the theme “From Zones to Impact: African SEZs Reimagined,” which brought together key voices to discuss the transformation of Special Economic Zones (SEZs) into innovation-driven, inclusive, and integrated economic ecosystems.
Laura Paez of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) highlighted the rapid expansion of SEZs on the continent—from just 20 in the 1990s to over 237 by 2020. However, she acknowledged that many still face significant hurdles related to diversification and infrastructure. Emphasizing the potential of SEZ 2.0, Paez pointed out the importance of technology integration, regional connectivity, and local value creation aligned with sustainable development goals.
Jasveer Singh, Cluster Director at Arise IIP, advocated for sustainable industrialization through public-private partnerships. He noted that the new SEZ models go beyond traditional industrial parks, serving instead as platforms for inclusive economic transformation.
Echoing this sentiment, Gilbert Ewehmeh, Continental Coordinator of Accelerate Africa, called for SEZ models that incorporate small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and align with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
“The future of SEZs lies in interconnected industrial ecosystems that span the entire value chain,” he asserted. Dr. Manuel Francisco Pedro, Chairman of Luanda-Bengo SEZ in Angola, stressed the importance of strong governance and infrastructure to support intra-African trade and harmonized investment climates aligned with AfCFTA goals.
In another impactful session titled “Japan Talks: Innovations Shaping the World,” Japanese leaders showcased their country’s forefront technologies and their implications for global industry.
Miho Sato, Deputy Manager at Yokosuka Research Park (YRP), presented Japan’s advancements in 6G development aimed at enabling smart city innovation through collaborative R&D.
Hiroshi Miura, Senior Manager at NTT DATA Group, unveiled the groundbreaking IOWN (Innovative Optical and Wireless Network) technology that promises ultra-high bandwidth and low latency through light-based data transmission—poised to revolutionize sectors like finance and healthcare.
Takaaki Nakamura, Director at NIFCO Inc., emphasized Japan’s commitment to sustainable manufacturing, proudly stating that NIFCO products are omnipresent across Japan.
The session concluded with Rashid Al Teneiji, Director of International Business Development at the UAE Ministry of Economy, calling for deeper cooperation between Japan and the UAE. “I hope today’s dialogue serves as a launchpad for greater collaboration,” he remarked, setting a hopeful tone for future trilateral engagement between the UAE, Japan, and Africa.
