The conference will emphasize the importance of collaboration, intelligence sharing and community engagement and applying a multi-sectoral approach by bringing together state, private and mine security forces and authorities to unite and apply stronger regulatory and prosecution measures to create stability and investment.

Some of the critical topics that will be addressed at this year’s conference include:

• Strengthening collaboration through PPP between state-, private- and security forces to combat the deteriorating security conditions in and around mines
• Identifying insider threats using intelligence gathering techniques to reveal vulnerabilities before they can be exploited
• Meeting force with force? Deployment and support of specialized security to mobilize stability and gain ground against global crime syndicates and armed attacks
• Overcoming regulatory gaps and ambiguities about what constitutes illegal mining versus artisanal mining – moving towards formalising artisanal mining through proper licensing and regulation
• Combining people and technology, with due consideration of site specific conditions and threats to unlocks the true potential of both
• Whole-of-government approach: State agencies and enforcement authorities will share insights on how they are working together to achieve joint prosecution through inter-agency collaboration and sharing of resources and expertise. Building on PPPs and what support is needed from mines in the fight against illegal mining
• Who is responsible at ownerless mines and closure of shafts – 6000 abandoned mines with illicit trade draining R70-billion from the economy where are we at in terms of statistics and solutions?
• An update on legislative revisions underway to align mining laws and close legal loopholes that organised groups exploit
• “Following the money” and the network of organised crime associated with related crimes in and around your mine
• Circular Economies (CE) and moving away from the take-make-dispose model and working together as corporates, government and communities to address crimes and criminality such as illegal mining, sabotage, malicious damage to property and infrastructure, amongst other challenges towards extending life of mine
• Investment and reputational management and drawing investment to mining by ensuring stability and reinstating SA’s competitiveness in global markets, etc.

To speak, sponsor or receive the agenda, please contact info@pinpointstewards.co.za or register online at www.pinpointstewards.co.za

The event convenes C-level executives and senior decision-makers responsible for land, air, and maritime borders. It aims to promote collaboration, digitalisation and innovation to tackle emerging threats and improve border efficiency across Africa.

Focused on advancing safe and secure borders as well as migration management technologies, Border Security Week tackles the latest challenges and issues affecting border security in Africa. The event features a diverse lineup of speakers, facilitators, and panelists who provide valuable insights, along with practical models, methods, and mechanisms proven effective in other countries.
 

Curated by Exito Media Concepts, a global leader in B2B technology platforms, the Cyber Security Summit – South Africa 2026 serves as a premier executive forum dedicated to strengthening cyber resilience across the region. The summit will bring together 200+ C-level executives, CISOs, security leaders, and technology decision-makers to address the evolving threat landscape and the growing complexity of securing modern digital ecosystems. 

Through focused discussions on AI-driven security, cloud and identity protection, threat intelligence, automation, blockchain, IoT security, and regulatory compliance, the summit will deliver actionable strategies, real-world insights, and collaborative opportunities to help organizations build resilient, future-ready security frameworks capable of supporting long-term digital growth. 

Case Study: Building Cyber-Resilient Enterprises in South Africa

A major South African enterprise within the telecommunications sector undertook a comprehensive cybersecurity transformation to secure its expanding digital infrastructure and customer ecosystem. With millions of users dependent on its digital platforms, the organization faced rising exposure to sophisticated threats such as ransomware, phishing, and network-based attacks, alongside stringent regulatory and data protection requirements. 

To mitigate these risks, the enterprise adopted a zero-trust security architecture across its IT and network environments, enabling continuous verification of users, devices, and applications. Cloud security was strengthened through centralized identity and access management, secure APIs, and improved visibility across hybrid and multi-cloud environments. 

AI-driven threat detection and real-time monitoring enhanced the organization’s ability to identify anomalies and respond proactively to incidents. Security automation further reduced response times, minimized operational risk, and improved business continuity. In parallel, targeted upskilling initiatives strengthened internal capabilities across security operations, threat intelligence, cloud security, and compliance. 

This transformation underscores the importance of cyber resilience in safeguarding digital trust and operational stability, which are the key focus areas at the 29th Edition of the Cyber Security Summit – South Africa 2026, where security leaders will convene to address evolving cyber risks and share best practices. 

Event overview 

The 29th Edition of the Cyber Security Summit – South Africa 2026 is the country’s premier executive-level forum dedicated to strengthening enterprise cyber resilience. The summit will bring together 200+ C-level executives, CISOs, security leaders, and technology decision-makers to examine the rapidly evolving cybersecurity landscape and the growing complexity of securing modern digital environments. 

Through focused discussions on AI-driven security, cloud and identity protection, threat intelligence, blockchain and IoT security, automation, and regulatory compliance, the summit will deliver strategic insights, practical frameworks, and real-world approaches to safeguarding critical digital infrastructure and ensuring business continuity. 

Date: 12th March 2026 
Time: 09:00 AM – 05:00 PM 
Venue: Indaba Hotel, Spa and Conference Centre, South Africa 

Supporting Partner:

The Cyber Security Summit – South Africa 2026 is supported by the ISC2 Gauteng Chapter and the Cloud Security Alliance, reinforcing the event’s commitment to advancing cybersecurity excellence, professional development, and collaborative security practices across South Africa’s digital ecosystem. 

Meet the Visionaries 

The 29th Edition of the Cyber Security Summit – South Africa 2026 will feature some of the country’s most influential cybersecurity and technology leaders, sharing insights on cyber resilience, risk management, digital trust, and securing enterprise ecosystems. Below are a few of the distinguished advisory board members and speakers joining CSS South Africa 2026, alongside many more industry experts and thought leaders: 

Advisory Board 

Julian Ankiah, Chief Information Security Officer, MultiChoice Group 

Fundi Rarane, VP: Cyber Security – Business Engagement Lead Absa Group 
Speakers 

Dr. Denisha Jairam-Owthar, Group Chief Information Office, Council for Medical Schemes 

Jongikhaya Stuurman, Chief Information Officer, PetroSA 

Meshack Ndwandwe, Chief Information Officer, First National Bank South Africa

Tumelo Zwane, Chief Information Officer, Special Investigating Unit 

Emily Manganyi, Chief Information Security Officer, JSE 

Key topics to be covered 

Attendees will examine South Africa’s most pressing cybersecurity priorities through focused discussions, including: 

• AI & National Cyber Defense: Using AI to strengthen threat intelligence, public-sector readiness, and public–private collaboration while addressing data governance and digital sovereignty. 
• AI as Threat vs. AI as Shield: SOC automation, AI-driven attacks, ethical deployment, and strategic guidance for CISOs navigating emerging risks. 
• Cyber Risk & Critical Infrastructure: Securing OT–IT environments, lessons from recent infrastructure breaches, and coordinated incident response. 
• Cloud, Sovereignty & Compliance: Navigating POPIA, cross-border data risks, sovereign cloud models, and emerging AI regulations. 
• Secure Innovation: Embedding security by design across DevOps, CI/CD, and fast-paced digital environments. 

About Exito 

Exito stands for “success” — a principle reflected in every experience we design. With over 15 years of experience, Exito is a globally recognized B2B events and media organization, delivering 240+ conferences annually across technology, digital transformation, cybersecurity, healthcare, and emerging enterprise sectors.

Through carefully curated agendas, global speaker communities, and market-driven insights, Exito creates platforms that foster strategic collaboration, accelerate innovation adoption, and drive measurable business outcomes worldwide.

For more details on the Cyber Security Summit – South Africa 2026, visit: https://exito-e.com/cybersecuritysummit/south-africa/ 

This high-level summit is designed to address the urgent need for resilient, future-ready security strategies in an increasingly complex threat landscape.

The summit will convene 200+ C-level executives, CISOs, cybersecurity leaders, and technology decision-makers to exchange insights on protecting digital ecosystems while enabling innovation and growth. With organizations embracing cloud platforms, AI-driven services, and interconnected technologies, safeguarding data, infrastructure, and digital trust has never been more critical.

Through expert keynotes, panel discussions, and real-world case studies, attendees will explore practical approaches to AI-powered threat detection, cloud and identity security, zero-trust frameworks, threat intelligence, security automation, and regulatory compliance. The agenda will also examine how enterprises can strengthen operational resilience, ensure business continuity, and stay ahead of evolving cyber risks.

A strong emphasis will be placed on aligning cybersecurity with business strategy, empowering leadership to make informed, risk-aware decisions that support sustainable digital transformation. Discussions will also highlight the importance of upskilling security teams, fostering cross-sector collaboration, and embedding security into innovation initiatives from the outset.

Supported by the ISC2 Gauteng Chapter and the Cloud Security Alliance, the Cyber Security Summit South Africa 2026 reinforces its commitment to advancing professional development, knowledge sharing, and cybersecurity excellence across the region.

Through visionary leadership perspectives and collaborative dialogue, the summit will equip organizations with the tools, insights, and partnerships needed to secure South Africa’s digital future with confidence and resilience.

For more details on the Cyber Security Summit – South Africa 2026, visit: https://exito-e.com/cybersecuritysummit/south-africa/ 

The Victoria West Aerodrome is strategically situated between the N12, N1 and R63. It was the fuelling aerodrome for flights from London to Cape Town in the 1950s and has significant historical value.

Project description

Rehabilitation and development of the existing Aerodrome to service businesses, tourism and projects within a 300km radius of Victoria West. Develop the Aerodrome with a fire station to service the Aerodrome and the local municipality.

Targeted sectors

• Agriculture
• Drone facilities and flying school
• Export through aviation
• Aviation
• Logistics and distribution
• Car rental

Investment value

• Immediate: R10-million
• Short/medium term: R55-million
• Long term: R25-million
• Total: R100-million

Project Finance

• Grant funding is required for the terminal building and runways.
• Equity funding is required for the warehousing and logistics buildings, hangers and flying school facilities.

Project status

A 22-year lease agreement has been signed with the Ubuntu Municipality. All suspensive conditions have been met.

Employment

• Short term: 500 construction phase
• Long term: 150 permanent jobs

Partnerships

The Rural Aerodrome Company (Pty) Ltd will investigate all partnerships.

Contact:

Interested parties are encouraged to contact the project team. Please reference Victoria West Aerodrome when replying.

Project background

The Developer, Sultex Holdings is a group of local Durban businesspersons who are collectively undertaking this prestigious project. Sultex Holdings is a black-owned company with a level one BBBEE score.

The company has employed a professional team, led by Nathoo Mbeyane Engineers and Re-Invent Property Development Managers, which led to the successful commencement of this project.

The project seeks to rejuvenate and further develop Giba Business Park, supporting the eco-tourism aspect of Giba Gorge, whilst having a massive social impact on the local informal community. These impacts support both the job market, whilst increasing business opportunities for the logistics industry and SMME light industrial sector.

The Developers are committed to the eThekwini region, and their massive investment in this project is testimony to their confidence in the region.

Economic sectors

• • Light Industrial
  • Warehousing
  • Logistics

Project description

The Giba Business Estate development is situated south of the Mariannhill Toll Plaza, along the N3 freight and logistics corridor (Durban-Johannesburg).

The Project is aligned with the National Development Plan (NDP) which encourages developments along the N3 corridor that promotes freight and logistics to take advantage of the Port of Durban and the existing road network.

• Development size: 20 hectares (200,000 square meters).
• Phase 1: Construction of 22 platforms and engineering services roads, water, on-site sewer package plant, electricity.
• Phase 2: Top structures.

Investment Opportunities

• Turnkey Development Opportunities
• Investor Opportunities
• Logistics & Warehousing
• SMME Opportunities
• End User Opportunities

Investment value

• • The total capital investment for the development is about R1.9-billion.
  • It is estimated that the direct benefits to the City through rates revenue will be in excess of R23-million into the city coffers per annum for the first year of commissioning, increasing to R46-million in the second year and could rise to R69-million in the third year.
  • Will contribute an additional R137.9-million in GDP to KwaZulu-Natal Province.

Sources of funding

• Private Development

Incentives available

• Possible rates rebates.

No. of jobs to be created 

• Approximately 492 jobs in the construction phase.
• Approximately 4 661 permanent jobs post-construction.

Project Status¹

Implementation:

• • TIA, EIA, SPLUMA approvals obtained.
  • Contractor established on site on the 3rd of July 2023 to commence construction of platforms and engineering services.

Watch VIDEO: GIBA Business Estate Progress, May 2024

Regulatory requirements of the project

• Building applications.

Unblocking issues needed to be resolved

• None at this stage

Partnerships

• Council resolves for the City to collaborate with the Developers for the implementation of road and water engineering services in order to facilitate this development (Council Decision 11/12/2023).

Investment Opportunities

• Turnkey Development Opportunities
• Investor Opportunities
• Logistics & Warehousing
• SMME Opportunities
• End User Opportunities

Find out more and visit the GIBA Business Park website: https://www.gibabusinesspark.co.za/

Project promoted via Invest Durban / eThekwini Municipality

Contact Invest Durban:

To find out more about any of these investment opportunities, please contact the investment facilitation team at Invest Durban:

Not only will the Namakwa SEZ (NAMSEZ) help to unlock the province’s economic potential, said Dr Saul, but it would be “the cornerstone of the Northern Cape Industrial Corridor”. The Industrial Corridor is an ambitious plan to link the province’s huge mineral resources near Kathu (iron ore) and Hotazel (manganese) with new port facilities and a green-hydrogen plant at Boegoebaai in the west.

The corridor follows the path of the N14 highway and include smelters and other beneficiation facilities within SEZs and industrial parks along an east-west axis. Plans to establish industrial parks at Kathu and Upington are well advanced to support the spatial thinking which underpins the Industrial Corridor strategy.

The NAMSEZ, with significant first investments being made by “anchor investments” from Vedanta Zinc International and Frontier Rare Earths, would, according to the Premier, “enable us to harness our mining throughput, facilitating both upstream and downstream integration and creating a robust, diversified economic ecosystem”.

The designation of the NAMSEZ marks the 12th such approval by the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic), the implementing agent of South Africa’s SEZ programme. Of the 12, nine of the SEZs are operational, with one SEZ each in Limpopo and Mpumalanga sharing with NAMSEZ the status of being officially designated but not yet functioning.

The Coega SEZ in the Eastern Cape, regarded as one of the country’s more successful SEZs, has applied to expand its footprint in order to build a vaccine and pharmaceutical zone.

A further four proposals are being considered from four provinces, including from the North West which is currently the only province that does not have a designated SEZ. The Bojanala SEZ would have a focus on the platinum-mining industry and associated beneficiation, manufacturing and services.

Programme goals

The Special Economic Zone (SEZ) Programme aims to bolster export-led growth, increase investment into the country and create new jobs. There are five ways through which these goals are achieved:

• Investment attraction: Custom-control areas, incentives and secure operating environments are elements designed to attract investors.
• Job creation: By facilitating new investments and supporting expansion, new jobs, particularly in manufacturing, are created.
• Infrastructure: SEZs develop new and improved infrastructure.
• Skills: SEZs can support education and vocational training, particularly in technology.
• Export promotion: Favourable terms and conditions for manufacturers aiming at international markets make for a good investment proposition. This supports the goal of diversifying the national economy.

At the end of Q2 2024, the dtic reported that the nine operational SEZs had garnered a cumulative investment value of R30.9-billion and created a total of 27 021 permanent employment opportunities.

Beyond designations

Policy related to SEZs continues to evolve. In the decade to 2010, four Industrial Development Zones (IDZs) were proclaimed at Coega (Gqeberha), East London, Richards Bay and OR Tambo International Airport (Gauteng). The passing of the SEZ Act No 16 of 2014 shifted the policy focus and by 2019 a total of nine SEZs had been proclaimed.

In the same year, national government tasked the dtic with playing a more active role in the “planning, development and management of SEZs” and all three spheres of government were to be involved in planning. Municipalities and provincial authorities would be asked to make budget commitments for bulk infrastructure and initial operational funding while support for the development of top structure would be forthcoming from the dtic.

This approach was implemented for the first time in the rolling out of the Tshwane Automotive (TASEZ), which has become of the country’s most successful SEZs.

In addition, a National SEZ Programme Management Unit was established, located at the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC). This means that new applicants have a ready resource to call on for advice and support.

In the course of 2025, a series of meetings and consultations were held as the dtic sought input on a draft Spatial Industrial Development Strategy (SIDS). The SIDS, according to the dtic, “proposes a reimagined model for SEZs, industrial parks and township economic development”.

In explaining why a group of influential CEOs had been invited to attend a meeting in Johannesburg in June, the Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Zuko Godlimpi, said, “This CEOs Forum is not just a meeting of minds; it is a strategic platform to ensure our Spatial Industrial Development Strategy is responsive, inclusive and grounded in the lived realities of business and communities across the country. We want a framework that reflects the voice of industry and responds to regional economic disparities through practical and impactful interventions.”

Godlimpi stressed that, “Special Economic Zones remain one of the dtic’s flagship programmes to catalyse investment, create decent jobs and strengthen export competitiveness.” He noted that the refined strategy aimed to position SEZs “not just as isolated economic pockets”, but rather as integrated drivers of regional and national transformation.

Speaking at the event, SEZ Special Advisor at the dtic, Maoto Molefane, emphasised that a shift in emphasis had taken place when he said, “We are no longer in the business of issuing SEZ licences. Our job is not to designate for the sake of designating. Our job is to industrialise this country.” He added, “The designation of an SEZ should find us already on the ground doing the work to support investments.”

Molefane proposed that a strategic rethink of the SEZ framework was needed, based on lessons from the programme’s trajectory and on the material conditions faced by investors and communities.

The SEZ PMU was cited as an example of a new way of doing things in the new dispensation around SEZs. Apart from providing the technical support referred to above, it would also ensure greater national oversight, assist in the building of essential infrastructure for the creation of a new SEZ and make sure that firm investment commitments were made before any new designations were proclaimed.

Molefane referenced a key element of the proposed SIDS, “The draft strategy also responds to spatial and economic disparities by prioritising geographic areas with industrial potential, even those without designated SEZs. This ensures that township economies, underutilised industrial parks and marginalised municipalities are not left behind in the national effort to reindustrialise. There is a need for coherence and collaboration across all levels of government to deliver impactful, place-based interventions.”

According to a record of the meeting issued by the dtic, the forum noted the good progress made by zones such Coega, East London, Dube TradePort and the Tshwane Automotive SEZ, while “acknowledging the ongoing work required to integrate black industrialists, link small businesses and align SEZs with broader regional development”.

Special Economic Zones in South Africa

Special Economic Zones are located in areas with particular resources and historical sectoral strengths. The relevant SEZs are geared to serve, support and encourage development of those resources and sectors across South Africa.

There are currently 12 designated Special Economic Zones in eight provinces. Nine are approved and functioning and three have been approved and are in various states of preparation. A further four (in the North West, Northern Cape, Limpopo and Gauteng) are in the process of applying to be recognised as SEZs.

In addition, Coega SEZ in the Eastern Cape is in the process of applying to expand to accommodate a dedicated vaccine and pharmaceutical facility.

There are ongoing developments throughout the country related to projects that may become SEZs. These include a plan to establish a clothing and textiles hub near Ladysmith in KwaZulu-Natal (to become the uThukela Special Economic Zone). Work on infrastructure for the Kathu Industrial Park is ongoing in the Northern Cape.

Such is the value attached to SEZs that a continental body, the African Economic Zones Organization (AEZO), represents and lobbies on behalf of the public and private institutions which run and promote SEZs in Africa.

Founded in 2015, the AEZO is an important forum for information exchange. The body holds regional workshops and an annual meeting. The 2024 meeting was hosted by Kenya’s Special Economic Zones Authority (SEZA) and that country’s Ministry of Trade, Investments and Industry under the theme “Building resilient, inclusive and sustainable economies: the role of African SEZs in attracting impactful investments and redefining competitiveness.” More than 400 delegates gathered at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) in Nairobi to share ideas.

The AEZO reported in 2021 that Africa had about 203 active SEZs with another 73 in development.

SEZA is an example of a national coordinating body for SEZs. Others on the continent include the Nigeria Economic Zones Association (NEZA), the Special Economic Zones Authority of Rwanda (SEZAR) and SEZA Botswana.

Kenya has no fewer than eight types of SEZ, ranging from ICT Parks and Science and Technology Parks to Free Trade Zones and a Free Port Zone. Some countries house their SEZ policy and promotion under national departments such as South Africa’s Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic), or as is the case in Ethiopia, with bodies such as the Ethiopian Investment Commission (EIC).

Botswana has or is planning nine SEZs. Each caters for the strengths of its specific location and aims to add value to raw products for export, another typical feature of the SEZ model. The Sir Seretse Khama International Airport Special Economic Zone obviously has an aviation focus, but also presents itself as a hub for diamond beneficiation. The others are Fairgrounds (finance and technology), Francistown (mixed use, mining and logistics), Greater Palapye (energy and beneficiation of coal), Lobatse (meat and leather), Pandamatenga and Tuli Block (agro-processing), Selebi Phikwe (mixed use) and Sowa Town (beneficiation of salt and soda, chemicals).

The AEZO reported in 2021 that Africa had about 203 active SEZs with another 73 in development. Zones are present in 47 of the continent’s 54 countries, with the largest number of zones in Morocco, Nigeria, Egypt, Ethiopia and Kenya.

Nearly 150 000 hectares is devoted to Special Economic Zones on the continent while over $2.6-billion in investments has been made into a wide variety of sectors such as agro-processing, manufacturing and services. With many SEZs being linked to ports, logistics is naturally a big sector for SEZs and a recent trend has seen the growth in investment in energy.

Some zones are specifically targeting energy production, and more specifically renewable energy. In Egypt, the Suez Canal Economic Zone (SCZONE) in 2022 signed a preliminary agreement with Indian company ReNEW Power for 220 000 tons of green hydrogen production, with an investment value of approximately $8-billion. This was the eighth such agreement that SCZONE has signed with the aim of localising and manufacturing green fuels. Some of the other partners include Maersk, Scatec and EDF Renewables.

African SEZs

The first African SEZ was launched in 1970 by Mauritius, and Ghana and Senegal followed with zones of their own by the end of the decade.

The merger in 2013 of the Kigali Free Trade Zone and Kigali Industrial Park in Rwanda led to the establishment of the Kigali Special Economic Zone (KSEZ). Since then, at least eight other zones or industrial parks have been successfully launched, including the Bugesera SEZ and facilities in the towns of Rwamagana, Muhanga, Nyagatare, Musanze, Huye, Nyabihu, Rusizi and Rubavu.

Both Rwanda and Mauritius were singularly successful in achieving the goals they set for their SEZs. Rwanda wanted to boost employment by producing goods for export. Within three years, 3% of its workforce was employed in the newly established SEZ while Mauritius succeeded spectacularly in processing and selling sugar to the EU, boosting both export income and employment (Inclusive Society Institute).

A feature of the Mauritian story was the fact that European processing companies led the process. The government leaned heavily on the private sector to achieve its national development goals and research supports the idea that the best model for ownership or management of SEZs is a combination of public and private.

Many ownership options are available, all the way from wholly government controlled to a licensing arrangement with a private entity. One option is for a private investor responsible for the establishment of the SEZ to be given a lease of a set number of years, after which the facility reverts to the government.

Nigeria celebrated three decades of the Special Economic Zones programme in 2022. The website of the Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA) states that it has more than 40 “free zones” but under “active” free zones, eight are listed, including some with the name of a private corporation (Dangote Industries FZ) and others representing a major city such as Calabar Free Trade Zone (CFTZ). The Lagos Free Zone, connected to the Lekki Deep Sea Port and administered by Singapore-based Tolaram, and the Eko Atlantic Free Zone are among the best known of the West African country’s SEZs.

Government role

Government’s main roles are to provide legislative certainty and good infrastructure. Where both are present, SEZs are far more likely to succeed. A failure to provide adequate transport or power infrastructure will deter private investors, as will a legislative framework that changes every few years.

The other key government role is to determine the level of incentives available to investors in an SEZ.

Objectives of industrialisation, regional development and employment creation are typically cited as the goals of SEZ programmes. They can also contribute to businesses being created.

In Mozambique a mining company, Kenmare Moma Mining, has helped establish the MozParks Topuito Agro-Industrial Park in Nampula Province as an innovation centre to support startups in getting access to the value chain. MozParks, the other partner in the venture, is the developer and operator of agro-industrial parks.

As an AEZO newsletter noted with respect to SMEs: “In emerging markets, where they account for 90% of all firms and 50% of all jobs created, SMEs constitute the backbone of the global economy. The impact is greater in Africa, where SMEs employ almost 80% of the labour force on the continent. Although SMEs are a substantial economic force, there is still a lot of room for expansion.”

An Occasional Paper published by the Inclusive Society Institute in 2023, “Leveraging special economic zones for growth”, notes the fiercely competitive environment in which SEZs operate globally. Morocco’s successful policy is highlighted in this regard. Investors in any one of the country’s seven SEZs paid no corporate taxes for five years and pay reduced rates after that. Various other low rates of tax and generous exemptions are applied. Morocco’s exports are now valued at over $2-billion, with international aeronautics companies now manufacturing in the country for export.

Read more in The Journal of African Business:

The DEVAC SEZs – IDZs – Economic Zones summit is an invaluable initiative for harnessing the potential of Special Economic Zones and Industrial Development Zones in Africa. By fostering collaboration among governments, private sector participants, and international investors, the summit plays a pivotal role in driving economic development on the continent. The success of these initiatives hinges on strategic planning, infrastructure investment, and commitment to sustainable practices, ultimately contributing to a prosperous and equitable future for Africa. Engaging international investors will be crucial in this journey, ensuring that Africa’s economic zones are competitive and attractive on the global stage.

Committed to fostering sustainable development, the DEVAC SEZs – IDZs Forum aims to position Africa as a competitive player in the global economy. By facilitating collaborative efforts among participants, the forum seeks to unlock the full potential of economic zones, paving the way for a prosperous future that benefits all stakeholders involved.

Visit https://economic-zones.com/ for more information!

Supporting the resources on the ground who are fighting to secure physical and invisible borders should be the first priority. Funding and security upgrades are one thing and shared resources between private and public security another, but the fact remains that a multifaceted approach is required and all stakeholders will need to join hands.

Pinpoint Stewards, a South African business, have invited some of the key stakeholders and organisations facing this mammoth geographical task to address Transnational Organised Crime Prevention during a two day conference on 26 and 27 November at the Indaba Hotel, Johannesburg.

Rising to the challenge to address the exploitation relating to illicit trade are:

Day 1 – 26 November 2025

• Opening Address: Smart Borders – Focussing on Technology Innovation to Monitor and Reclaim Commissioner – Dr Masiapato, BMA
• Disrupting Illicit Financial Flows: A FIC-led and evidence approach – Pieter Alberts, Financial Intelligence Centre SA
• How organized criminal syndicates exploit the extractives industry and looking at possible solutions to TOC – Marcena Hunter, Global Initiative Against Transnational Oranized Crime
• Preventing Illicit Trafficking of Precious Group Metals and Other Minerals: Policy Recommendations and Global  Cooperation – Dr. Mandla Zembe, Rio Tinto | Richards Bay Minerals
• Panel: Global threats and local responses. How to integrate crime intelligence across jurisdictions to promote urgency in response: Lt Gen (R) Seswantsho Godfrey Lebeya, Former National Head The Directorate For Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI), Major General Ebrahim Ahmed Kadwa, Provincial Head: DPCI Gauteng, Directorate For Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) and Nash Lutchman, MD, 4D Security Risk Advisory (PTY) Ltd

Day 2 – 27 November 2025

• Corruption, the starting point in fuelling criminal syndicates. Understanding the nature of corruption and corruption-related crimes interlinked in SA and internationally. Looking at the road ahead for law enforcement entities – Adv Paul Pretorius, Senior Counsel, Co-Founder Anti-Corruption Coalition, Gibs Business School
• RSA law relating to Terra-Finance and Terrorism (POCDATARA) – Adv Gideon Mashamaite,  National Prosecuting Authority
• Invisible Links: Gender, Violence, and the Financial Engines of Organized Crime – Lindy Muzila United Nations Office On Drugs And Crime (UNODC) & Linda Naidoo United Nations Office On Drugs And Crime (UNODC)
• Strategic approach that SA has to fight counterfeit goods – Amanda Lotheringen, Companies And Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC)
• Putting a stop to syndicate crimes by having consortiums work more effectively – Transnet Pipelines (TPL) collaboration with private security, SAPS and NPA – Richard Sewraj, Transnet Pipelines
• Moving towards a centralizing crime reporting structure into central database – SIMA – Cebbie Wolf, Transnet

Kindly email the organisers for more info at info@pinpointstewards.co.za or register online at https://pinpointstewards.co.za/

All-access tickets are available at R7800 per person, Book 3 get the 4th FREE! Discounted rate for Government and SOE’s. Online option available for groups of 6 or more.

Why Attend:

• South African challenges are unique and collaboration will enhance our defenses
• Peer-networking and intelligence sharing
• Providing long term strategies and implementation

This is where South Africa’s security forces, government enforcement entities and business defines its path forward against illicit trade.