Luanda, Angola, December 2025
The Ghana Free Zones Authority (GFZA) participated in the African Economic Zones Organization (AEZO) Annual Congress, held in Luanda, Angola, from November 26th to 28th, 2025. The Congress provided an important platform for key stakeholders in Africa’s Special Economic Zones (SEZs) to collaborate, exchange knowledge, and explore strategies to advance the continent’s industrial development. It proved to be a productive space for dialogue, learning, and partnership-building.
A major highlight for GFZA was the participation and contribution of the CEO, Dr. Mary Awusi, as a panellist in the high-level “AEZO Parliament.” She shared insightful perspectives on “Services, Competitiveness, and Shared Growth of Special Economic Zones (SEZs) in Africa,” enriching the discourse on the future of SEZ-driven economic transformation across the continent. The AEZO Congress was graced by Ghana’s Ambassador to Angola, H.E. Mavis Esi Kusorgbor, highlighting Ghana’s commitment to exploring collaborative opportunities in SEZ development.
The GFZA’s influence on the continental stage was significantly and visibly strengthened at the congress, marked by two key achievements. Firstly, the AEZO Executive Steering Committee Membership which was keenly contested by Ghana, Gambia and Luanda. Ghana, represented by Hajia Hanatu Abubakar was elected alongside the Gambia as Steering Committee Members. This would enable Ghana to have a direct influence on shaping pan-African SEZ policy. Furthermore, GFZA was honoured with the prestigious “Most Outstanding Member of the Association” award, a recognition that underscores its leadership and vital contributions to the economic zone ecosystem.
As part of agenda for the AEZO 2025 Annual Congress, the GFZA Team and other participants embarked on a study tour to Embalvidro Industry Limited, a bottle manufacturing company located within the Luanda-Bengo Special Economic Zone.
The GFZA delegation to Angola included Hajia Hanatu Abubakar, Director of Administration, and Mr. Kingsford K. Jagre, Head of AfCFTA and Strategic Partnerships, who both played key roles in representing the Authority and engaging with partners throughout the event.
