Kinshasa, April 4th, 2025(CPA) – The acquisition of space, financing, ownership and support from other administrations are major assets for the proper functioning of Special Economic Zones (SEZs), according to the ten-year review presented to the press on Thursday in Kinshasa in the Democratic Republic of Congo. ‘The Agency for Special Economic Zones (ASEZ), which is a public establishment of the State, encounters obstacles to the establishment of Special Economic Zones linked to the acquisition of space, financing, as well as the problem of ownership and support from other administrations. However, as they are covered by the law, they benefit from a special legal regime making these areas more attractive than the rest of the national territory’, said Auguy Bolanda, Director General of ASEZ, at the press conference organised to launch the activities of 10 years of existence of ASEZ. During the press conference, a number of points were addressed, including: the achievements of ASEZ since its creation, the progress and challenges in setting up the Special Economic Zones, and the outlook for the next decade, with a focus on expanding the SEZs and boosting investment. Speaking of the results, CEO Bolanda stressed that the Democratic Republic of Congo should be proud to have a system of special economic zones in place, with SEZs operating in the commune of Maluku and attracting investors, and a second SEZ in Kinshasa being created at ‘Kin Malebo’. He pointed out that SEZs can now be counted on in the DRC’s industrial sphere. This is because, since its creation by Decree nº15/007 of April 14th, 2015 as revised to date, ASEZ has been committed to promoting an environment conducive to investment and industrial transformation through the establishment of the management of Special Economic Zones. The Director General pinpointed a number of negative points that constitute obstacles to the establishment of SEZs, namely: space, as the Agency’s mission is to give SEZ status to well-defined sites. He called on the involvement of leaders to provide land for setting up SEZs, as development cannot be envisaged without industry. He recommended that the government set up a special fund to finance the Zes, in order to help AZES fulfil its missions. In terms of support for other government departments, he called for easier access to exemptions, given the system under which the SEZs operate. On the impact of SEZs on the national economy, the DRC has already ratified its membership of the African Free Trade Area, of which the SEZ would be a tool for implementation. The production and marketing of tiles produced in the DRC is a step towards the development of the industry. These tiles already cross Brazzaville and will be present on the African market. That’s why it’s important to improve the business climate.
The launching of activities to mark 10 years of existence of AZES
Activities commemorating 10 years of existence of the Special Economic Zones Agency (AZES) will be celebrated on 14 April on the theme: ‘Implementation of special economic zones in the Democratic Republic of Congo: Assessment, challenges and prospects’. This commemoration will provide an opportunity to highlight the major achievements of these zones over the past decade, and to look ahead to the future of industrial development in the DRC. It was recalled that 10 years on, the Agency has played a role in attracting strategic investment, creating jobs and boosting the Congolese industrial fabric.
Mr Auguy Bolanda thanked the leaders who have agreed to move towards SEZs so that our country can become industrialized. ACP/