By Mandla Mpangase

The Tshwane Automotive Special Economic Zone (TASEZ) will join other Special Economic Zones, policymakers, investors and industry leaders from across South Africa, the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and beyond at the 2nd International Special Economic Zones Infrastructure and Investment Conference in Durban on 16 and 17 July 2026.

Hosted by the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic) in partnership with the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs, the conference will be held under the theme “Reigniting Industrialisation through World-class Special Economic Zones”.

The flagship event is expected to attract more than 1 000 delegates and will focus on strengthening investment, advancing industrialisation and promoting collaboration between government and the private sector.

Discussions will also explore the role of Special Economic Zones (SEZs) in supporting regional integration through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and South Africa’s broader industrial development agenda.

TASEZ acting CEO Andile Sangweni said the conference provides an important opportunity to demonstrate how South Africa’s SEZs are contributing to inclusive economic growth.

“This conference brings together the leading voices shaping the future of industrial development on the continent.

“For TASEZ, it is an opportunity to showcase the impact of our automotive-focused model, exchange best practices with our peers, strengthen partnerships and contribute to the national conversation on how world-class SEZs can accelerate investment, localisation, skills development and sustainable job creation,” Sangweni said.

It will also be an opportunity to learn from others and understand the latest global trends in industrialisation and economic development.

The conference will also feature a two-day exhibition where companies operating within South Africa’s SEZs will showcase their products and capabilities, while the SEZ Achievement Awards Gala Dinner will recognise excellence and innovation across the country’s SEZ programme.

According to the dtic, the conference will reinforce the role of SEZs as a key industrial policy instrument to attract investment, build world-class infrastructure, boost exports and create sustainable employment opportunities.