TASEZ CEO to spotlight Africa’s automotive opportunity at SEZ Summit in Durban
By Mandla Mpangase
A summit focused on how economic zones can be a growth opportunity for South Africa gets underway in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal today.
Taking place from 3 – 4 December 2025 under the theme “Transforming Africa’s economy: Catalysing growth and future investment by enhancing competitiveness through SEZ and IDZ projects”, the DEVAC Special Economic Zones/Industrial Development Zones Summit brings together governments, representatives from SEZs and IDZs, private-sector leaders, development experts, and global investors to map out the next era of Africa’s industrial expansion.
The Tshwane Automotive Special Economic Zone (TASEZ) CEO Dr Bheka Zulu will be a key panellist on 4 December 2025 in a high-level discussion exploring how Africa can unlock greater value from its emerging automotive sector.
Driving value addition and youth employment through innovation
Dr Zulu will join the panel titled “Leveraging industrial clustering, 4IR, and Africa’s emerging auto sector to drive value addition and youth employment in SEZs”.
The session will unpack how SEZs can accelerate industrialisation through advanced manufacturing, Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies, and integrated value chains – areas in which TASEZ has rapidly positioned itself as a national leader.
TASEZ has become South Africa’s fastest- growing automotive hub and a cornerstone of the country’s reindustrialisation agenda.
Dr Zulu’s contribution to the panel is expected to provide practical insights into how SEZs can cultivate specialised skills, create youth employment, and attract sustainable investment by leveraging industrial clustering and global automotive trends.
The discussion will be moderated by Prof. Joe Amadi-Echendu from the University of Pretoria’s Engineering and Technology Management faculty.
Dr Zulu will be joined by a distinguished group of panellists, including:
- Nomvula Shongwe-Gulwako, Acting CEO, Royal Science and Technology Park, Eswatini
- Tapiwa Samanga, Group CEO, Production Technologies Association of South Africa (PtSA)
- Dr Luyolo Mabhali, Executive Cluster Manager: Future Production – Manufacturing, CSIR
- Anathi Mlungwana, Unit Head: Trade Facilitation, Coega Development Corporation
- Philip Krause, Consulting Manager: Transport, Pegasys Global Consulting
Together, the panel will explore how economic zones can shift from traditional manufacturing to innovation-driven ecosystems that promote competitiveness, integrate regional value chains, and support Africa’s industrial ambitions.
Unlocking the full potential of economic zones
The summit itself underscores the growing importance of SEZs and IDZs in driving Africa’s economic future. These zones, designed to boost local industries, streamline investment processes, and enhance regional exports, are central to the continent’s efforts to compete in a rapidly evolving global economy.
While SEZs and IDZs offer significant promise, their potential remains under-utilised due to challenges ranging from infrastructure gaps to regulatory complexity and limited financing.
The summit aims to address these barriers by strengthening collaboration among governments, investors, and industry leaders.
A strategic moment for Africa
As global demand shifts toward greener manufacturing, digital transformation, and resilient supply chains, Africa’s economic zones—particularly in high-growth sectors like automotive production—are poised to play a defining role.
Dr Zulu’s participation signals South Africa’s commitment to shaping that future, positioning TASEZ not only as a national success story but as a continental model for how innovation and industrial clustering can transform economies and create sustainable employment.
The summit’s insights are expected to guide future investment, strengthen partnerships, and accelerate the development of competitive and globally connected economic zones across Africa.