Tatu City: Tatu City, Kenya’s first mixed-use Special Economic Zone (SEZ), has been selected as the Regional Office and National Contact Point for the World Free Zones Organisation.
According to Kenya News Agency, the World Free Zones Organisation (World FZO) is a non-profit entity operating as an association for all free zone stakeholders around the world. The selection recognises Tatu City SEZ’s leadership in advancing SEZ development and economic transformation in East Africa.
The selection was formalised during the 9th African Economic Zones Organisation Annual Meeting at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre in Nairobi last week and commissioned by President William Ruto. The meeting, hosted by the Kenya Special Economic Zones Authority, the Ministry of Investments, Trade and Industry, and key SEZ stakeholders, brought together over 400 global experts, policymakers, and business leaders to shape the future of African SEZs.
Dr. Samir Hamrouni, CEO of the World Free Zone Organisation, stated that
the selection of Tatu City as both the National Contact Point and Regional Office is a testament to its excellence as a Special Economic Zone. ‘Tatu City has demonstrated the capacity to represent Kenya and the region effectively and support the World Free Zones Organisation’s global vision of fostering economic growth and innovation through free zones,’ Hamrouni noted.
Solomon Mahinda, Executive Vice President of Tatu City, mentioned that as the National Contact Point and Regional Office, Tatu City will spearhead efforts to attract impactful investments, promote best practices, and enhance regional collaboration, driving sustainable economic growth in Kenya and across Africa. ‘We are deeply honoured by this appointment and excited to strengthen our collaboration with the World Free Zones Organisation,’ he added.
As the National Contact Point, Tatu City will represent Kenya in the global free zones network, facilitating stakeholder cooperation. As the Regional Office, it will oversee membership expansion, r
egional activities, and World Free Zone Organisation initiatives while elevating African SEZs on the global stage.
This new role builds on Tatu City’s active leadership in SEZ development. A founding member of the Association of Special Economic Zones (ASEZ) in Kenya and a member of the Africa Economic Zones Organisation (AEZO), Tatu City has consistently championed innovation, governance, and sustainability in SEZs. Late last year, Tatu City was also selected to the AEZO Steering Committee, further solidifying its leadership in Africa’s SEZ ecosystem. During the AEZO Gala Dinner Awards, Tatu City was also recognised for its exceptional SEZ operational best practices and unwavering support for AEZO’s initiatives.