Local Economic Development and Special Economic Zones

This research is interested in examining the local economic development impacts of special economic zones (SEZs) through their industrial development impacts on peripheral areas of industrial activity. Over the years, many African countries have adopted the SEZ programme as a tool towards advancing economic development and creating job opportunities. However, despite the implementation of SEZs in Africa, many countries and regions continue to battle with low levels of economic growth, low rates of small business growth and high levels of unemployment.

The research aims to understand the role of SEZs in advancing local economic development by asking: how do SEZs impact the conditions for regional and peripheral industrial development?

By conducting targeted qualitative analysis with firms and institutions, the project will provide a nuanced examination of SEZs and their contribution to industrial enclavity and the impact on peripheral industrial development or underdevelopment. The movement of industrial capabilities between smaller and larger industrial zones in Africa is important. Analysing this flow and the factors that influence it will offer valuable academic and policy insights for future large-scale industrial projects and the implications for “left behind places”.