Policy Briefs

Building on prior analysis of Kazakhstan’s SEZs, this policy paper shifts the lens toward Uzbekistan—highlighting the untapped potential of Special Economic Zones in Central Asia. Rather than focusing on shortcomings, the brief explores why SEZs remain a relevant and strategic tool for economic development, even amidst ongoing challenges. With a

Kazakhstan’s 14 Special Economic Zones (SEZs) are designed to drive economic diversification and industrialization, attracting billions in investment. However, governance inefficiencies, inadequate private sector involvement, and transparency issues have limited their success. This policy brief evaluates the performance of Kazakhstan’s SEZs, highlights key challenges, and offers policy recommendations to enhance

This policy brief introduces the New Cities Map (NCM), a comprehensive database tracking over 350 new cities built since 1945. It highlights the ongoing wave of new city construction, particularly in the Global South, and offers insights into city planning, governance, and economic impact. The NCM aims to support policymakers

This policy brief examines the long-term impact of Special Economic Zones (SEZs) in Tanzania, focusing on their role in fostering sustainable economic growth. Building on a previous brief that assessed the immediate economic effects of SEZs, this analysis delves into the potential for SEZs to promote local industrialization, export diversification,

In December 2023, Malawi’s Parliament passed transformative legislation allowing secondary cities and urban centers to be designated as Special Economic Zones (SEZs). This new law marks a significant shift towards integrating SEZs with urban development, moving beyond traditional industrial parks to create comprehensive economic hubs. The legislation addresses past failures

This policy brief delves into the organizational frameworks that have made Investment Promotion Agencies (IPAs) in Singapore, Ireland, Mauritius, Rwanda, and Costa Rica successful in driving economic growth. By examining the mandate, autonomy, and structural dynamics of these IPAs, the brief highlights how their powerful authority, private sector involvement, motivated

This policy brief critically examines the Export Processing Zones Act of 1995 in Malawi, which aimed to promote export-oriented manufacturing through Special Economic Zones (SEZs). The brief argues that the Act was fundamentally flawed, leading to the collapse of Malawi’s SEZ experiment by the mid-2000s. The failure is attributed to

This policy brief explores the successful strategies of Investment Promotion Agencies (IPAs) in five small countries: Singapore, Ireland, Mauritius, Rwanda, and Costa Rica. These agencies have played a crucial role in their countries’ economic growth by implementing a combination of general investment promotion, targeted incentives, and focused efforts on priority

This policy brief examines the current structure and operations of SEZs in Zanzibar, comparing them to ideal models and similar initiatives in Tanzania, Africa, and beyond. The brief provides several key policy recommendations, emphasizing the need for the Zanzibar Investment Promotion Authority (ZIPA) to focus on legal frameworks and land

This policy brief examines the benefits of traditional SEZs in comparison to single-factory SEZs and concludes that small single-factory SEZs in Zanzibar and Tanzania underperform and do not deliver the expected advantages. The report emphasizes the critical need for better data and improved government information sharing about single-factory SEZs in

Despite globally acknowledged beliefs in the positive impact of tax incentives, research reveals that they may not significantly influence Special Economic Zone (SEZ) performance. The brief identifies several reasons, including the absence of revenue generation, potential conflicts of interest, and the disadvantages faced by local supplier firms. Based on these

This policy brief evaluates the evolution of Zanzibar’s investment laws from 2018 to 2023, focusing on their alignment with international best practices. The 2023 Act, replacing the 2018 Act, introduces clearer and more concise regulations, affirming the state’s role in supporting private-sector-led development. Key changes include enhanced autonomy for the

Explore the efficacy of Special Economic Zones (SEZs) in Tanzania through a comprehensive analysis of investment, employment, and export data. This policy brief sheds light on the challenges and opportunities posed by SEZs, drawing comparisons with successful models like China while examining Tanzania’s unique economic landscape.