联合国贸易发展委员会-促进非洲经济特区及其周边地区中小微企业的发展和创业（英）-2023-36页_2mb

SEZs are policy tools for attracting investment, but they are increasingly being leveraged to support local MSMEs and entrepreneurship in Africa due to global competitive pressures and regulatory changes like the OECD/G20 minimum tax rules. This guide, compiled by UNCTAD and AEZO, aims to provide practical guidance for policymakers and practitioners to enhance MSME growth within and around SEZs.

Key insights from the guide include:

• A survey of 53 African SEZs shows significant interest in supporting local MSMEs, with 78% having some supportive measures. However, many initiatives focus on internal zone support rather than spillovers, and few address access to finance or innovation effectively.
• Case studies from Kenya, Egypt, Morocco, Ethiopia, South Africa, and Gabon demonstrate varied approaches, such as tailored fiscal incentives, cluster development, and supplier linkages, with mixed success based on local context.
• Lessons learned emphasize designing broad programs, avoiding overreliance on fiscal incentives, customizing support to MSME needs, adapting zone infrastructure, streamlining administrative processes, securing funding through collaborations, and building partnerships with national and international organizations.
• The guide concludes that while African SEZs show appetite for MSME promotion, effectiveness can be improved by adopting a holistic, strategic approach across the EPF policy areas, which includes regulatory environments, education, technology exchange, access to finance, and awareness-building.

This resource serves as a step-by-step framework to maximize the developmental impact of SEZs on local economies through MSME empowerment.