Special Economic Zones (SEZs) are important instruments for the development of productive capacities, employment creation and poverty eradication. They have contributed to the economic development of many advanced and emerging economies. However, most African countries have not yet sufficiently explored the potential of SEZs and industrial parks for economic development.

To address some of these challenges and improve the design and establishment of SEZs in francophone African countries, UNCTAD is organizing a study visit for selected francophone countries to SEZs in Morocco. Morocco is one of the few countries in Africa with functional and successful SEZs. Its AGROPOLIS site in Meknes brings together various agro-industrial activities critical for developing productive capacities and fostering industrialization. The visit to this site will enable the delegation of the selected countries (Burkina Faso, Mali, Côte d’Ivoire and Madagascar) to better understand how to establish, operate, and regulate Special Economic Zones and make them work for development.