Tatu City Named Regional Office for World Free Zones Organization, A Landmark Achievement for Kenya

On December 2, 2024, Tatu City, Kenya's pioneering mixed-use Special Economic Zone (SEZ), was officially appointed as the Regional Office and National Contact Point for the World Free Zones Organization (World FZO). This significant designation underscores Tatu City's pivotal role in spearheading SEZ development and facilitating economic transformation within East Africa's dynamic landscape.

The formalization of Tatu City’s appointment took place during the 9th African Special Economic Zones Annual Meeting held at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre in Nairobi. This prestigious event, convened under the auspices of President William Ruto, attracted over 400 experts, policymakers, and business leaders globally to discuss and strategize on the future direction of African SEZs. The meeting was organized by the Kenya Special Economic Zones Authority, in collaboration with the Ministry of Investments, Trade and Industry, and other essential SEZ stakeholders.

During the signing ceremony, Dr. Samir Hamrouni, CEO of the World FZO, expressed his enthusiasm about the selection of Tatu City, highlighting its operational excellence and capability to represent Kenya and the region on a broader scale. He noted, “Tatu City has consistently demonstrated exceptional capacity to advance the World Free Zones Organization's vision of promoting economic growth through the establishment and management of free zones.”

In a statement, Solomon Mahinda, Executive Vice President of Tatu City, emphasized the honor of receiving such recognition and the potential of the new role to catalyze impactful investments in the region. He also mentioned that Tatu City, as the National Contact Point and Regional Office, is committed to fostering best practices, building collaborations across the region, and ultimately driving sustainable growth across Kenya and the greater African continent.

Tatu City's responsibilities as the National Contact Point include enriching Kenya's profile within the global free zones network and facilitating inter-stakeholder cooperation. As the Regional Office, it will lead initiatives for membership expansion and oversee regional activities aligned with the World FZO's goals, placing African SEZs on the worldwide stage.

This new appointment builds on Tatu City's robust leadership in SEZ development. It is recognized as a founding member of the Association of Special Economic Zones (ASEZ) in Kenya and is an active member of the Africa Economic Zones Organization (AEZO). Last year, its influence was further cemented when Tatu City was elected to the AEZO Steering Committee, showcasing its commitment to promoting innovation and sustainability within Africa's SEZ framework.

At a recent AEZO Gala Dinner, Tatu City was acknowledged for its exceptional operational practices and its unwavering support towards initiatives led by AEZO. Currently, Tatu City serves as a living example of the transformative potential of SEZs; it accommodates a population of 26,400 residents, workers, and students, which is projected to rise to 250,000 upon full development. Presently, Tatu City hosts 88 businesses, comprising both global investors and local enterprises.

Among the latest additions to Tatu City’s business landscape is Hewatele, which plans to establish a KES 2.8 billion medical oxygen facility supported by investments from the U.S., Canadian, Finnish, and Danish governments, along with the Soros Economic Development Fund. This venture exemplifies the type of impactful investments Tatu City aims to attract as part of its new responsibilities.

For further information about Tatu City, please visit their official website at https://www.tatucity.com/. Meanwhile, details regarding Rendeavour, the parent company of Tatu City, can be accessed at https://www.rendeavour.com/. For insights about the World Free Zones Organization and its vision, visit https://www.worldfzo.org/.

This landmark achievement for Tatu City not only enhances its stature within East Africa but also positions it as a critical player in the global dialogue on free zones, anticipated to influence regional development strategies significantly moving forward.

Topics General Business)

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