Djibouti City, Republic of Djibouti | 21 April 2025- The inaugural Regional Conference on Special Economic Zones (SEZs), co-convened by the AfCFTA Secretariat and the Government of the Republic of Djibouti, officially opened today in Djibouti City. Held under the patronage of H.E. Ismail Omar Guelleh, President of the Republic of Djibouti, the Conference brings together policymakers, private sector actors, development partners and regional stakeholders to explore the role of SEZs in advancing Africa’s economic integration under the AfCFTA framework.

Opening the Conference on behalf of the President, H.E. Abdoulkader Kamil Mohamed, Prime Minister of the Republic of Djibouti, reaffirmed Djibouti’s commitment to supporting Africa’s economic transformation through the AfCFTA. He emphasised that Djibouti’s strategic location must serve Africa’s broader vision of prosperity, with Special Economic Zones acting as engines of opportunity and growth.

In his address, H.E. Wamkele Mene, Secretary-General of the AfCFTA Secretariat, underlined the strategic importance of SEZs, stating:“The AfCFTA is Africa’s response to global trade fragmentation. Special Economic Zones are not just policy instruments. They are practical tools for investment, innovation and resilience. If aligned with the AfCFTA, they can unlock unprecedented growth across the continent.”

The opening ceremony also featured remarks by H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Chairperson of the African Union Commission, who highlighted Djibouti’s role as a gateway linking Africa to global markets and an example of effective integration between infrastructure, policy and trade vision.

A key highlight of the day was the signing of two Memoranda of Understanding between the AfCFTA Secretariat, the Ministry of Trade and Tourism of the Republic of Djibouti, the Djibouti Chamber of Commerce, and the Djibouti Ports and Free Zones Authority. The MoUs are aimed at deepening cooperation and positioning SEZs as critical drivers of intra-African trade.